Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 40

Around noon, we arrive in a sleepy little village. I read the sign on the way into town, Ryuon, Home of the Oldest Bar in Dezolis! We find the bar itself packed to the brim with people, enjoying the hot food and good drink.

This looks like a good place for information. Ray wanders into the crowd to start asking around. All the tables are full, so I make my way to the bar. As we press through the crowd, something catches Etirn's eye.

Am I mistaken, or is that a radio there? Etirn points to a mess of wires sitting on the end of the bar.

A portly old Dezoran behind the bar nods to us. That thing? It's how we get rumors about Motavia.

Is that so? Why haven't you ever hailed anyone? I never knew that Dezolis had this technology.

The old guy shrugs. Some guy from Tyler gave it to me to pay his tab. He said he was stumped on how to get it to listen as well as speak. Just like my wife. He lets out a thundering laugh.

Etirn lets out a small chuckle. Well, I can fix that quick. I mean the radio; I'm not good with the ladies. Marika, pass me your headset.

I take it off and give him the device. What are you gonna do?

With a goofy smile, Something that'll piss off Boss. Demi, give me a hand. The two begin to dissect the two radios, and I order a Penguin egg and meat sandwich. Hopefully, the extra calories will shake the cold out of me.

So, young lady, what brings you folks here today? You definitely aren't dressed for the weather.

We're from the much warmer sands of Motavia. We came out here looking for someone. I don't really know anything about him, other than that he's still a teenager. Have you seen any travelers like that recently?

The barkeep strokes his chin, deep in thought. You don't seem too sure of you you're looking for. However, I do know that some kid was here a couple nights back. He was wearing the same gear Espers use. Said he was looking for something, but that he had to head home. There's a blizzard blowing in today, but the kid said he wanted to make Zosa by tonight. He just wouldn't listen to my warnings. Is this why Firdaus said we had to hurry?

Etirn slams his fist down on his electric chimera, and the radio comes to life. He presses a button, and talks into the speaker, instead of a normal microphone. Ryuon mic test. Anyone read me?

Torinco hears you.... Loud and Clear in Zema.... Nalya acknowledging.

Thanks. Ryuon, Dezolis now has a radio. Its callsign is Gyuna's Bar. Please update your data sheets. Over. Etirn signals the barkeeper over and starts going over how to use it. I turn my attention to my hot sandwich, and enjoy its simple respite against the cold outside. Etirn finishes as I dig out some coins to pay for my meal. The barkeeper waves off my money.

Don't worry, it's on the house. I appreciate you fixing my talking box. You know, the guy who built it lives in Tyler. You might wanna talk with him.

Etirn nods. Maybe we'll do that. Marika, do we have a heading?

I look over at Ray, who appears to be making bets over something in the back. Yeah. The barkeeper talked about that kid. Tyler's our best bet right now. I turn to the barkeeper. Is it always this cold here?

During the winter, yes. I don't reckon you should be out there in the snow, without something a bit warmer than what you guys have right now. Just because I'm a nice guy, I'll lend some old furs I don't use anymore. He steps away from the bar and disappears into the storage room. I hear some drunkards chanting Blades! Blades! in the back, followed by some cheering. I look over to see Ray pouring a large amount of money into his backpack.

How did you find that much money, Ray? I say as he walked up to the bar.

I bet 20,000 meseta that I could cut a fruit into a hundred pieces before any part hit the floor.

What would you have done if you lost? There's no way he could have that kind of money.

He looked around, then whispered, Ran like hell! I shake my head as the barkeep comes back with a selection of fur outerwear.

The fur clothing doesn't fit me very well, obviously tailored to the large barkeeper, but it definitely beats trudging through two foot deep snow in a knee-length skirt and light hiking boots, as we made our way to Tyler. The snow started coming down harder than it was when we left the ship.

Next chapter

Join Phantasy Star Cave discord server and hang out with other RPG buffs. It’s free. Let’s beat quarantine boredom together!