Volties crowded over to the docking area, enamored by the substantially sized airship that hovered overhead. Beautiful marbled wood beams extended from the base as it lowered itself into position, creating a “whoosh” of wind that pelted out before the propellers slowed and the internal rustling of gears came to a resistant halt. Three clacks rang out, the heavy door to the airship fell forward, unfolding itself into a narrow steel trimmed staircase, and a few moments later, a man surfaced above. Before descending, he shouted heartily and waved hello widely to the onlookers.
“Oi, how goes it Voltra! My gods, it has been too damn long!”
His was an unfamiliar face to most, but to Frizz and Static their expressions lit up with anticipation. Static gestured his hand forward excusing himself to the people he had to brush past. Frizz on the other hand, firmly pinching at Spark’s jacket, dragged him forward like a jet, jerking him past the sardine can of Volties as they were mutually buffeted by varying shoulders and hand bags.
“Look who decided to show his face after so long! I think I might have almost forgotten you, old man!”
Frizz puffed her chest and cheeks while tapping her toe against the pavement. The gentlemen crowed a raspy laugh before dropping his leather sack to the ground, paying little care to it.
“The piggy would forget me? Gonna call bull on that one - and who ye’ callin old?! I quite think my age is well hidden, no?” It was true, he was a handsome man who aged like wine; the afternoon sun kissed his chiseled and gruff complexion as he turned to give a bold smile to the guardians. He outstretched his arms, grunting between the cracks and pops of his tired joints; and Frizz took the opportunity to happily clobber him in a warm and welcoming embrace. He stumbled a bit, but caught his balance back in a jiffy.
Static shook his head adoringly.
“It’s nice to see you again, Vaughn.”
He placed Frizz back down and approached Static in a way that suggested he was willing to pick up and twirl him in the air as well. Static shook his hands semi-frantically pleading no, and so Vaughn reached out his hand alone instead. Their arms became a blur of motion, Vaughn shaking so rigorously you’d think Static’s arm might have popped up with it. The three of them laughed and teased before Spark gave a sheepish cough to call attention to himself.
“EH-hem! Are you two going to introduce your big brother,
or am I gonna stay in the dark all day watching you guys have fun without me!”
Spark laid a playful hand on the shoulder of each of his siblings before raising his sunglasses up to get an accurate visual of mister popular.
“Spark, this is Vaughn, he is a traveling merchant from the realm of Metal...and one of Voltra’s founders. Vaughn, this is our older brother Spark. He was in a coma within that giant orb that used to be here. Now… he’s a radio celebrity…”
Frizz giggled at her own description.
“Aye, I knew from the start that orb was a magnificent source of power. I can only imagine the sort of magic you possess, lad. If you mind not me askin’ what creature are ya?”
Vaughn politely reached his arm to shake Spark’s hand, which was happily reciprocated.
“A phoenix.”
Spark intended to say more but he was caught off guard by the hard, heavy and cold hand he grasped. Looking down, a metal prosthetic glimmered Spark’s reflection back to him. Little divots and scratches on the otherwise well-polished and sturdy mechanism revealed a hardworking man who takes great care, but he innocently wondered for but a moment too long how Vaughn came to lose his arm.
“Spark! Don’t stare, that’s rude!”
Frizz smacked the back of his head, sending stumbling Spark forward before he looked back up apologetically.
“Oh, oh my bad, my bad! I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. Honestly the craftsmanship is stellar and distracted me is all. I swear!”
Vaughn took no insult whatsoever, pulling his arm back and flicking open a panel that revealed multiple useful gadgets. Its movement was fluid, and as the fingers one by one curled into themselves and stretched outward again, the metal made small clicking sounds as the position adjusted to whichever form of mobility he’d deem useful.
“Ye’ like it? Day comes you guardians work too hard and need a prosthetic, you’ll let me know.”
Vaughn teased patting Spark on the back before another familiar voice piped up in the distance.
“I suppose that means you will be staying a while then, old friend?”
The voice was just the slightest bit strained. A sheepish smirk crawled up one side of Vaughn's face before turning to see the mayor. The gentlemen gave each other a half hug and shoulder pat between loud celebratory chatter, like college buddies who couldn’t control their volume and overjoyed to be reunited once more.
“Volkan, always a damn pleasure. Not sure I’ll ever adjust to you wearing a suit and tie though. How ya been, mate?” Vaughn's own voice strained a bit, desperately holding in a cry. He pulled a cigar out from his pocket to offer up to the Mayor, but he declined.
“Actually, I quit.”
Vaughn rolled his eyes. “Hogwash.”
Accidentally chewing the cigar down, he lit up, pretending it was better than usual - just to tease. The mayor averted his eyes and maintained his willpower.
“I have been busy beyond my brows, but well. I’m glad I caught you just as you arrived. I do kinda have to scamper off here to meet up with my kiddo as promised. You better attend the festival later, and with your kiddo in hand after you two make up...for breaking YOUR promise..."
Vaughn took a long drag before releasing the smoke away, his face obviously painted with a pained but also blissful curiosity.
“How’s my pumpkin?”
The quick character shift from a bad influential bro into a doting father was charming to anyone who knew Vaughn. The mayor smiled warmly, and gestured Vaughn to follow him. They both bowed their heads to the guardians who dissipated within the rest of the thinning crowd. The Mayor and Vaughn walked in the same rhythm while enthusiastically continuing their discussion.
“Since you have been….missing for so long… she took your old shop and revamped it into her own thing. Took her awhile to open but her first quarter has been very profitable. I actually just dropped off a small acknowledgement for her.”
Vaughn's brows flitted upward, and his goggles dropped from his forehead to his chest comically.
“Her own shop, eh? I know she’s a mechanical genius but I don’t picture her the type...good with upkeep’?”
The mayor stopped walking at the fork in the road, having to clear an awkward cough. Vaughn's statement was too accurate, but the mayor deflected for Val's sake:
“Why don’t you go see for yourself?.... It’s been far too long though.... I wouldn’t expect a warm happy welcome. You’re lucky you got one from me.”
Volkan’s expression was suddenly serious, but Vaughn brushed it off, only letting out a regretful sigh with a knot of guilt over his little girl.
“Wouldn’t expect a warm welcome even if I came home quickly. Fiery one, that she is. I appreciate the advice friend, and I promise to catch you up on everything later. What's important is I'm here to stay now. I'll meet ya at the festival later. Until then, mate.”
They fully hugged this time, and as they pulled apart both failed to hide their tears.
“Damnit, don’t look at me.” Vaughn choked.
Volkan chuckled, wiping his own face. “Yeah, don’t look at me either.”
Vaughn sniffled through a laugh... and made his way to Reduce, Reuse & Reinvent.
He smiled at the name and thought to himself:
“Rather considerate business perspective for the likes of her. I more anticipated a ‘Wreck, Ravage and Rabid’ sorts.”
The sign said CLOSED, but the door was unlocked. Technically the shop was still in his name, so he wasn’t reluctant to let himself in. Immediately a scurry could be heard as the shop bell rang announcing his presence.
“Val?...s’that you?”
He took a moment to view the scenery - it was a hot mess as expected. Nonetheless, charming and clearly all of her time and effort goes purely into her work rather than the aesthetics of the shop itself. He’d have to teach her the importance of both. However, fatherly lessons would have to wait: it was evident she was avoiding him.
“Gonna play this game, are we? Aight kid, ready or not. Here I come!”