Trail

Phoenix poured some more green coloured powder into the vial and mixed it with a few drops of dilute acid. He shook it until the powder soaked up all the fluid and turned into a pale grey.

That was the last batch of trail he was going to make for a long time. Jade just phoned in, apparently finding some mysterious activity in a small village cluster. Phoenix told him to settle in a nearby village and wait for further instruction.

Phoenix emptied the vial into a tray, dissolving the powder into water and heated the tray.

A few minutes later, when the water was evaporated, he collected the solid crystals in the tray and put it in a container full of similar crystals.

Trail: His proud invention. Dust substitute.

Even though it’s weak, it could be made using renewable substances and could be easily mass produced. Phoenix refused to use dust after what happened with his company so he started setting up a lab that he could make Trail to suit his needs.

He put the container inside his pocket alongside a card, a map and some paper money. Thinking about what else he should take, he grabbed his scroll and keys, a bottle, his gun, some dried fruits and a yo-yo. Content, he walked out of his house.

Phoenix checked the battery of his recently recharged mechanical eye – it should last for a few months as he had upgraded the battery’s storage capacity. Phoenix wore his regular battle wear: a dark red blazer, dark purple trousers and silver boots. Slipping his gun into the holster, he gave his house one last look before closing the door and locking it.

Phoenix headed to the direction of the town. When he arrived into town he bought some extra food he’ll need and began his journey south.

Five months later…

“More water please,” said Phoenix, raising his glass.

“Sure, sir, one minute.”

The waiter fetched a jug of iced water and poured it in Phoenix’s glass.

“Thanks.”

After a full day of travelling, Phoenix arrived in a village named Higanbana. Heading inside a bar, he refilled his water bottle and ordered a meal.

The bar was surprisingly crowded, full of men and women from all over the world as he could tell from their clothing. Phoenix silently watched them move about as he slowly ate.

A young man in white suddenly sat down beside him, ordering a glass of whisky.

“Phoenix Moon is it?” he asked.

Phoenix looked up at the young man, “Yes, so?”

“Well, you see,” the man explained as his glass of whisky was poured, “your sudden appearance is quite a surprise for all of us. Everyone thought that you’re dead, committed suicide or whatever after the incident with Schnee.”

Phoenix glared, “What do you want? If you’re a salesman trying to promote his bank funding with me, then I’ll quickly lose interest.”

The man chuckled, taking a sip from his glass, “Please Mr Moon, no bad puns here please. I’m not a salesman or a banker; I’m here to deliver a message from my employers. Sure you don’t want whisky? Water is boring.”

“Who are you?”

“Call me Snow,” the man replied, “I’m here to meet you peacefully.”

“Is that even your real name?”

Snow smiled, “Maybe not.”

“What’s the message?”

“Ah, straight to the point, I like it,” Snow said while taking another sip, “You see, to put it nicely, my employers would like you to concentrate on other things other than the task you are currently on.”

Phoenix frowned, “Who are your employers?”

“The Claw,” said Snow with a warm smile, “don’t look so surprised, you’ve surely seen it coming. Basically, as my employers put it, get off our trail and mind your own business.”

“If I don’t? What are you gonna do? Scratch me to death?”

“Yes, yes…” Snow answered, still smiling, “That would be an option, along with burning you, skinning you, decapitating you or impaling you with fifty spikes in the head.”

“Bit overdone, don’t you think?” said Phoenix, finishing his food, “I’d die by just a shot to the head.”

“If you say so,” Snow replied, pausing for a few moments, “but if you do stop investigating us, we’ll fund your company. You could start anew.”

“Not interested,” Phoenix answered immediately, “I do not trust you.”

“Your choice,” Snow said as he emptied his glass before placing it on the table alongside five Lien, “Monkey will be watching you. Keep the change.”

Phoenix watched as Snow stood up and strolled outside in a casual but business-like manner. Gulping down his water, he took the money and paid the waiter. He headed to the inn and rested on the bed.

Monkey. Probably a code name. Possibly referring to his attacker five months ago.

A few minutes later he was asleep.

“Dang it,” Phoenix cursed as his scroll continuously vibrated, “Jade pick up!”

The scroll stopped vibrating with a message of “Call over, User did not answer.”

Phoenix activated the voicemail function, “Jade! Where in Remnant are you? You haven’t called for a week! Please answer my calls! I’m worried!”

When he sent the voicemail he closed his scroll and slumped down on the chair.

Where the hell is Jade?

