Minutes turn into hours, and hours turn into days. The police didn't waste much time in throwing Ned into a special prison cell after pulling his file from years ago and finding out about who he really is... An elemental, who had done factory work in Hyrum. An elemental who belongs back in that field of work. A pirate. There's no way Concord will be able to find him now.

He's set up to be sold again soon. 

He's been left in a cold alchemical glass cell, with no bed, no food, just a dog bowl full of water and a concrete floor. It's dark, and no windows let light into the room. The only light is coming from a lamp by the guard in the hall who's reading a book. A guard who suddenly falls dead in an instant.

A man, or... What looks like one, approaches the cell. His eyes glow a brilliant cyan, and he looks as though he's made of galaxies. “Hello, Ned... My name is Zadkiel. I see you're in quite the predicament,” the man says.

Ned stands, immediately on guard. He looks the stranger up and down, noting his eyes. “I believe I am. What's it to ya?” He says dryly.

Zadkiel chuckles. “Well, I thought I'd bring you back to your friends. Would you like that?”

Ned continues to eye him. Of course, I would like that, but what's his angle? Ned thinks, swallowing. Zadkiel... Where had he heard that name before? Then he remembers the letter from Talion. This man was in some shady business with Fane. Ned crosses his arms, placing the prosthetic on the bottom. “That'd be awfully swell. What's in it for you?”

Zadkiel taps on the glass cell, taking note of any expressions and body language he's seeing. He smiles. “I'm glad you asked. I just want you to be safe. I've been watching you and your friends, Ned... I see great potential in you all... I'd just like it if you'd put in a good word for me. My friend left a map to a special place for Concord to find, and I'd like you to convince them to go. Could you do that?”

Ned frowns. This sounds like a trap. “You were in cahoots with Fane. Sounded like he was sellin' us out. I'm aware we're being watched and am not overly fond of that. How would I know that taking Concord to find the map is safe for us, and what do we do with the map afterwards? Is it for you? This all sounds a little too good to be true.”

“I was. But then he betrayed us all. The map is yours to keep. I have no need for it. It leads to things that will aid you in the future…” Zadkiel pauses. “A lot will seem too good to be true now that you have an original elemental on your side.”

The guard's keys float from his belt and land in Zadkiel's hand before he unlocks the cell for Ned. He politely gestures for him to come out into the hall.

Ned stares, but then he slowly and carefully inches his way toward the open door of the cell, doing his best to keep his distance. He couldn't pass up freedom. His past captain had taught him that much. 

Original elemental, huh? Ned makes his way out of the cell, eyes still glued to this weirdo. “Can I tell my friends of this exchange? I'm sure they would want to know how I got out and obtained info on a mysterious map.”

“Of course. Tell them whatever you’d like,” Zadkiel answers. He walks up the stairs, leading Ned to the main building, and outside. There aren't any police or guards to get in the way. They’re all dead. There's a small airship waiting outside for Ned to get back to Concord.

Zadkiel extends his hand for a handshake. “The Harmonia is where you last left it. I'm happy to have met you in person.”

Ned doesn't shake his hand. “I only have two questions left.” He holds up one finger. “One; can I get instructions on finding the map?” He holds up a second finger and glares. “And two; were you the one who blew up Newhaven?”

Zadkiel chuckles at the last question and takes his hand back. “The map is on Concord's ship. Amongst the other maps located at the helm. And... Yes. It was the only way to free you all.”

Ned bristles, but remembers how not keeping his cool landed him here. He exhales, calming the static in his fingertips. “Fine. And, er, thanks, I guess.”

Ned steps on to the small craft and begins preparing it for lift off. When he looks back, Zadkiel is gone. Ned huffs. Like hell he was going to play into this lunatic's hands. He raises the ship and sets a course eastward. 

Ned takes the information to Talion.

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Wilde World Radio Show EP 1                                  Wilde World Radio Show EP 2

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