Chapter 6 IC: Red Dawn
Zhuli and Yuu find a phone booth in short order, and she calls her friend, Sarcen. As luck would have it he was not home, but she left a message for him stating that she was going to be at a particular restaurant in Market Square around the 9th hour of After-eve, and invite him to join her. She explained to Yuu that she wasn't aware of any out-of-town travel plans he had, so she' hoping he just stepped out for a bit.
The two then proceed to look for a potential ship to ferry the group to Ossylia. Oddly enough there was quite a contrast of availability, with all merchant vessels fully booked or asking exorbitant prices, but passenger vessels were somewhat available. Both Jins suspect that the news of a closed, martial-law capital had forced many a casual traveler to cancel their plans, and thus open up some spots. The more established tour ships were booked-up, with only expensive first-class berths available, on account of stranded Ossylians trying to get back. More independent ships presented an agreeable price and schedule.
After picking out 4 solid possibilities the cousins set off for Market Square, with ZhuLi insisting that they should probably sport some local styles during their journey to reinforce their story. A short bus ride into the city proper and they arrive at a grand bazaar of goods and foods. At first the scene strikes Yuu as a chaotic smorgasbord of merchant activity, but soon he finds the familiar patterns, not so dissimilar from Ossylia's main market areas. After visiting a number of stores and stalls Yuu gets a sense of the local styles, and with ZhuLi's help picks up a few outfits. ZhuLi also picks up a couple outfits for Zelpuz and Vanyra, as she displays a discerning eye for people's body physiques and size. Yuu is able to provide some assistance to that end, explaining what little he knows of the Freyan's natural camouflage ability and their penchant for minimal clothing, and his knowledge of the Order of Ashes.
After a few hours, including a break for a mango-like smoothie drink, the time arrives to head to the restaurant to meet Sarcen. After some waiting, with Yuu's anxiety over the missed opportunity growing with each minute, Sarcen does arrive and greetings and introductions are performed.