The Second Piece: Ghost City Part VIII

Back in the abandoned town at the surface, night still fallen, Issac, Drew, and Hugeo emerge from the doors of a saloon.

Drew: Whew! I never thought Willard and his group had so many secret lifts...

Issac: Must've bought 'em from Laffel.

Hugeo: Hey guys, before we set off, why don't we say goodbye to Rodoran and his gang? They did help us for the first few days after all.

Issac: Sure, why not? But the sooner we get off this hellhole, the better.

Rodoran: Were you looking for us, pirates?

The Hugrema Pirates turn around in shock as they see the Sand Band, sans Saboten, standing at an alleyway. A good number of them are bandaged from their wounds, some of which are still bleeding.

Rodoran: I know you went through those gates. Don't even bother denying it.

Issac: Sigh...yes, it's true, Rodoran. And you may have been right about it being bad in there, but why were you so adamant about it? How does it affect you?

An angered Rodoran comes forward until he is face to face with Issac.

Rodoran: YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW THAT CITY AFFECTED US! BECAUSE YOU LEFT THE GATE OPEN...a Phantom slipped through...it attacked us, and t-took Saboten...

Drew: No way! Saboten's gone??

Rodoran: It...came in the night. We fought our best...but we just weren't prepared.

Hugeo: I would ask you why Marin and his government attacked you...but that's not really important right now.

Rodoran: Don't say his name...

Issac: I'm sorry, guys. I didn't know you had such a relationship with...the government down there, and we're willing to make amends. How about we help you free Saboten from you-know-who's clutches?

Rodoran: That would be impossible. You've probably seen how well-protected Marin is. It would be downright impossible, even if you used those weird powers of yours.