"We probably need all the help we can get. This isn't like the past..."
"Uh, what kind of help?"
"You know, Noah."
"No way. We are not-"
"Do it."
"Ash..."
"Just get them already."

~~~

"Okay... so who are we waiting for?"
"A... friend?"
"That's reassuring."

Waiting for hours for one person. Just who were they?

"CHEL-CHEL! CHELSY MY FRIEND! Heard abut your new job."
"Oh gods..."
"Oh, and Noah! How are the kids?"
"Uh..."
"Ash? How's the fam?"
"..."
"Breeze! How's your daughter?"
"Um.. fine? Going through things."
"Hm, well, aren't we all? Is this Sunrise? I haven't seen her in years! Where's her brother?"

We all look in different directions

"He's..."
"He's on... he's taking different paths... kinda."
"Um, not here."
"HE'S KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE AND I AM SO DONE WITH MY STUPID BROTHER-"

Everyone stares at me, a little concerned.

"Look, I- he sucks."

The new person shakes my hand.

"I'm gonna like this one. My name's Ace. I'm a them or a they if you're wondering."

I... actually was. They somehow looked male and female. I couldn't really tell. Their hair was in a short bun, they didn't wear clothes that were inherently masculine or feminine. Every time I looked at them I second guessed myself.

"Oh... so... who are you?"
"Like I said, Ace." - They mockingly salute - "I'm the best smuggler in all the kingdoms."
"Smuggler? You guys know a smuggler?"

Our parents shrug.

"Anything ya need, I got it. Or will have it. So, what do you need?"
"Information first. They sent up enchantments to block out Phoenix. We need information."
"Why Phoenix specifically?"
"Shut up."
"Fine, fine. I can get you information no problem. Anything else?"
"No. For now, that's all we need."
"Well, if that's all... I'm sure we can work out a reasonable fee?"

Our parents all stare at Ace. Breeze scoffs and Dad rolls his eyes.

"You owe us."
"I do? Don't recall... for what exactly?"
"Battle of thousand nights."
"Siege of Luxui."
"Getting you out of prison."
"Twice."
"King Phantom Guild."
"Also that time your boyfriend dumped you and you got really drunk and- Okay, maybe not the best one, but you get my point."

Ace smiles.

"But, I got you that potion. I got that rune for Dani. Information on three separate times. That counts for something."

Me and Vapor just look back at forth between them.

"What!?"
"It's a long story... technically several."
"And we've never heard of this because...?"
"Didn't come up?"

I sputter, how- what- when???

"You not only know a smuggler, you've- I-"
"We were in a war, what did you expect?"

I sit down as Ace slow claps.

"You seem distracted, Little Luna. Maybe a little... relationship in blossom?"

Whot.
Okay, maybe we didn't exactly tell... anyone about me and Vapor but...
How did they-

"A what?"
"Like a friendship, a rivalry, a... partnership. Or maybe just a plain old relationship, Little Luna."
"Well... I met a- never mind. I just need information. We need information. Please, tell me you can do it."
"Of course I can, Little Luna. I'm the greatest at my job. Here's your wallet, by the way."

They toss a wallet over to Ash and disappears into a shadow.

"...okay. That.... okay."
"Seriously, who do you guys know?"
"A lot. Now, we just wait. Usually not for long. If we know his plans, we can stop him."

~~~

"Okay, good news, your death will be quick... ish. Bad news... you're screwed."

I know this chapter is super rushed, I'm really sorry about that. I've had... no motivation for a while. So, the next update might take longer