Legacy's Wake

The female jester led Yipsiv through the opulent halls of the casino, passing through lavish game rooms and up a grand staircase. At the top, Hush and Echo awaited them, standing at attention. With synchronized precision, they offered a low bow and a theatrical sweep of their arms before stepping aside and locking their arms, framing the doorway with silent formality.

Yipsiv's brow furrowed slightly at their dramatic display, but his confusion was short-lived. The jester turned to him with a playful smile, her gloved hand gesturing toward an ornate door. She stepped forward, pushed it open with a flourish, and then stepped aside, bowing slightly as she ushered him in.

"Ah, good evening, Mr. Yipsiv..." Aurelio's voice resonated through the luxurious office as he leaned casually against a grand desk, his sharp gaze fixed on the pirate.

The jester pirouetted around Yipsiv in one last teasing display before skipping toward the door. "See ya, handsome," she purred, blowing him a kiss as she stepped out, the heavy door closing softly behind her.

Silence settled over the room as Yipsiv met Aurelio's piercing stare.

"My dear friend," Aurelio began, his tone smooth and inviting. "What brings you to my humble establishment? Could it be some grievance about the Bloomsque Hazard? Or perhaps…" His lips curled into a sly smile. "You're here for something else entirely. No matter, tell me—how can a young man like myself be of service to you?"

He gestured toward the plush chair opposite his desk, inviting Yipsiv to sit. Standing stoically nearby was Finnovare, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed the exchange with an air of quiet authority.

After settling into the plush sofa, Yipsiv watched as Aurelio leaned back against his desk, calm as a summer breeze. "Alright," Aurelio said with a slick smile, his fingers steepled. "We're face to face now. Take your time—let's have a proper conversation."

Yipsiv exhaled sharply, his tone as gritty as the dirt trails he'd ridden. "I reckon you've already caught wind 'bout my flop over at the Bloomsque Hazard."

Aurelio gave a small nod, his sharp gaze steady.

"There's somethin' I'm needin' from ya, partner. A favor, or maybe two." Yipsiv leaned in, resting an elbow on his knee, voice low and deliberate. "That cursed tree and the mist it brought—done dealt with all that. But this here's more personal. Let's just say I got two grudges that need settlin', and I'd rather not get my own hands dirty doin' it."

Aurelio tilted his head slightly, fingers laced together as he listened, his face unreadable.

"Hear me out, Aurelio…" Yipsiv dug into his cloak, fishing out a bounty poster, and slapped it onto the table. "Word's been floatin' 'round, some pirate talk, 'bout someone important. A young woman, barely outta her girlhood. The name's been itchin' in the back o' my head for a while now. Chiaki… or somethin' mighty close to that."

He paused, letting the name hang in the air as he watched Aurelio's face for a reaction. But the casino master didn't flinch, sittin' there like a statue carved from stone, waitin' for Yipsiv to say his piece.

Aurelio picked up the bounty poster, his sharp eyes scanning the bold 400 million bolts displayed prominently beneath the girl's face. He studied it for a moment, then slapped it back down onto the table. "This girl… I can't say I know much about her. But a bounty like that? She must be important to the world government," he said coolly, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, Yipsiv, tell me—what's my role in all this?"

Yipsiv leaned forward, his piercing gaze settling on Aurelio like a hawk zeroing in on its prey. "She ain't just some runaway, partner," he drawled, his voice steady and deliberate. "This here gal's an SFA Agent. Daughter of the folks that got wiped out in that bloody rain. I need her alive and brought to me personally. She's got somethin' I reckon'll be mighty useful—power I can use to even the score with those no-good marine officials who gutted the agency. Catch my meanin'?"

Aurelio raised an eyebrow, folding his hands in front of him. His expression remained composed, though the weight of Yipsiv's words hung in the air. "So, you want me to get her for you because you don't want to dirty your hands. Alright, I'll bite. But let's talk terms. What do I get in return, and how exactly do you want this done?"

Yipsiv tipped his hat back, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Well now, I heard tales 'bout your luck, how everythin' seems to roll your way. That's what I'm after—your magic touch. I need it to deal with the Phoenix Pirates." His grin hardened as he spoke their name. "Them scoundrels got in my way at the Bloomsque Hazard. Paid top bolts to hire those damn sisters, and they couldn't even hold their own against that crew. Worse yet, it's some of those same pirates who spilled the beans about this Chiaki girl. So, here I am, ready to make a deal. You get her for me, and I reckon we can both come out ahead. Sound fair, partner?"

Yipsiv leaned forward, tipping his hat with a crooked grin. "As for yer prize, I'll hand ya the whole Bloomsque Hazard—lock, stock, and barrel. The land, the folks, all of it—yours to control. That's if ya pull it off, partner."

Aurelio's eyes lit up with interest, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. "An entire island under my command... intriguing. Another piece to expand my empire. I'll admit, that's quite the tempting offer. But," he added, leaning back in his chair with a calculating smile, "you mentioned two favors. What's the second one?"

Yipsiv's grin widened, though his tone grew colder as he shifted in his seat. "Yer sharp as a tack, ain't ya? Yeah, there's one more thing. It's about an old pal of mine... Nathaniel. I want him gone. Dead. Ain't no need for frills or fancy games—just put him in the ground where he belongs." His voice carried a harsh edge, like boots grinding gravel.

Aurelio raised an eyebrow, his intrigue deepening. "Nathaniel, you say? And what exactly do you propose in return for handling this... old friend of yours?"

"Well now," Yipsiv drawled, leaning back with a smirk, "seein' as I'm offerin' up Bloomsque Hazard, I reckon that's already a fair deal. But I'll sweeten the pot. I'll be wantin' somethin' extra in the end—a second-hand title in your casino. My luck's the best you've ever seen, partner. Bet on that." His tone dripped with confidence, daring Aurelio to challenge him.

Aurelio let out a quiet sigh, his sharp gaze softening into a sly smile. "Alright then, I'll take you up on that offer. Lucky for you, the Phoenix Pirates are already guests at our little 'casino party.' Echo and Hush took care of delivering their entrance tickets. Everything's been set in motion for your favor. Mark my words—their demise is inevitable. As for the SFA agent, give me a week. I'll track her down and have her delivered to you."

Yipsiv's grin stretched wide, his chest puffing with pride. The deal had gone better than he could've hoped. His objectives were on their way to being fulfilled, and soon he'd rise to claim a powerful position as Aurelio's second-in-command, with influence over Casinova Island and its people.

Yipsiv let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling deep like thunder on the horizon. His face darkened, but his eyes gleamed with a sharp, dangerous light. "Knew you was the right man fer the job," he drawled, rising from his seat with a slow, deliberate motion.

To be continued...