Locomotive Failure. (chapter 1)

Chapter 1: What happens when....


The wedding was scheduled, everything was paid for, and I had cold feet already. I didn't know this girl, and honestly I didn't want to know her. I was being forced to marry her all because of a social status my parents wanted to keep, and I felt it was completely wrong. It wasn't fair to me to be forced in to a situation where I would possibly be unhappy for the rest of my life. I wasn't going to stand for it. So the night before the wedding I did what any rebellious individual would do, I snuck out to explore the world.

This wasn't the first time I had snuck out, but there weren't many times before either, the parentals had a very formidable guard service working day and night to make sure no one came in.... or came out, unfortunately for them I knew how to sneak around these guards, see they were the kinds that were only there to do their job, and nothing else. Big Burly men covered in militant garb from head to to. Definitely one of those sights you never wanted to see if you were caught stealing in to a place, or trying to sneak out. My bedroom was located on the very top floor of our mansion so I couldn't very well waltz out of there using the front door. I chose my usual way, through the one and only window in my bedroom, there was an inter-connection system of roofs and window sills I could easily climb around in a stealth manner. I opened the window using the latch hoping to heavens it would be quiet, it opened with ease and I was able to lower myself down on to the conjoining window sill underneath.

From there I made my way to the part of the roof that I knew had a ladder attached, slinking like a serpent i found myself crawling along on my stomach to reduce visibility from the ground were someone to be looking up here. The ladder was right were I remembered it being so I slowly made my way down it as well.

"Hey!" I froze.... the graveled voice that had boomed caught me so off guard, i almost slipped and fell about 30 feet. I couldn't believe someone had seen me!

" Oh! Hey!" I heard another gruff voice call, So close! I looked down and saw two guards casually strolling along with their guns slung across their backs.

"So the wedding is tomorrow, how do you think the groom will look?" That question caught me off guard.

"I hope he looks absolutely dashing! I've been a guard here ever since he was born and I've always been rather fond of him!" Once again.... Completely shocked. These guards were talking about me as if I were an object of affection to them

"It's a shame he's getting married, I had always hoped that perhaps he would be rebellious in more ways than one" With that the guards started giggling like little school girls. I wasn't sure what to even do though, they weren't moving and my arms were starting to get tired from holding me up from when I almost slipped off.

"He always was the most handsome out of that family, it's odd to think his father could be so horrendous and he ended up such a looker." The guards started walking away towards the back of the mansion, my lucky break. I could hear them continue their odd conversation while I continued down the ladder.

Something those guards had said would have resonated with me for quite some time had it not been for the fact that I was in too much of a hurry to get out of there. Once down the ladder I could already feel the freedom wash over me. I headed down a back-alley near the mansion and came straight in to an air ship harbor. Oh..... Let me explain again before I continue on.

This city in which I reside is a major trade center. All the cities from all over the world send shipments of everything you can imagine using the Dirigible system that was formed almost 200 years ago. instead of actual ships that you would find in the sea or ocean, this was the only main air ship destination. Set upon a cliff that spanned as far as the eye could see, the harbor skirted the entire city leaving it open to any ship that were to make it's way here. This city is called Quothinglon, Or for the layman term: Air-ship alley.

The harbor I found myself at seemed particularly run down compared to the others I could see from my window, but I wasn't going to let that deter me. I made sure my face was mostly concealed as I kept my head down while I walked along the sidewalk making sure to not catch anyone's attention. I needed to clear my thoughts, I had hoped to just..... I'm not sure, but I'm certain that getting out would help. There was a great space of time that night that I just found myself staring at the ships, wishing I could just hop on one and go far away, but I knew that wasn't even remotely a possibility.

"You know, it's not safe out here to be by yourself" a voice called from behind me. I looked and was shocked to see this bare-chested man just casually strolling along.

"I'm not too worried" I tried to act as casual as this individual seemed, but I think he sensed my lack of cool and just walked right up to me.

"Look, I'm not going to hurt you, I'm just trying to help." He smiled and I was instantly disarmed. I'm sure he's charmed the panties off of quite a few women with just that smile of his. This man had an air of confidence that almost made me feel like I could trust him, tall and tanned from obvious years of working outside, but a gleam in his eye that screamed youth and juvenile benevolence.  

"Well...." he stopped my sentence by holding his hand out in a handshake

"The name is Zeke, so tell me young'un, what exactly are you doing out here so late? it's two in the morning and you do not look properly equipped to handle yourself were a robber to attack. I'm guessing from your attire that you are obviously from higher blood than the rest of us commoners" That smile again was flashed and I couldn't help myself, I shook his hand.

"Everyone calls me Don, and to um..... I guess really I'm trying to just clear my head from all that's going on." I was talking to this guy like he was already a best friend, what was wrong with me?

"Don eh? Well that doesn't exactly answer my question, but we should be moving along really." He motioned behind him towards a rather ominous looking stranger staring at me from the shadows.

"That one is looking to get his hands dirty in someones blood tonight..." Zeke was using a hushed voice now, and it honestly had me concerned.

"W-What do you mean by that?" I stuttered but kept my voice down.

"This area of town is notorious for pick-pockets and murderers" once again that smile flashed and I was instantly disarmed. He motioned for me to follow him so I did.... I don't know why, but I just.... Did.