Guilds Role-Play

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It is a beautiful day, around three in the afternoon, the whole of the region suffering from rather strong winds. It is warm and sunny outside, until the wind blows when it is somewhat chilly. The clouds float on by with the wind's direction, giving the blue sky a bit of variation in design. The towns and cities bustle with busy citizens, Guild Hall doors open and close as business concludes and begins for various members and of course, the streets and halls are also busy with chatter--as it would seem that although things are the same today as they would be on any other day, there is one thing that every living person has in common today.

Everyone that is willing to talk about it seems to have this feeling...a feeling of wrongness. Today feels different, somehow, in some way, though no one is certain as to why this is so. Some are mildly worried, others simply casting it off as just a weird phase. Many have approached the Guilds that are local to them, inquiring if anything can be done it. This has led everyone to realize that even magic casters have felt these odd feelings in their guts, though they seem not to know of its cause or how to make the feeling go away. Everyone has been uneasy since they woke from their beds this morning, but they day still continues on, as if the global feeling did not exist...

{[Attn]: council, Chi}
--UMS Territory; Council Hall, Council State; 2:30PM--

Thanis' answer left a faint feeling of doubt in Nelia's chest, she frowned at him and shook her head. A moment before vocalization of this discord he had already moved on and was introducing her to the woman who sent shivers down her spine with a simple glare, the one she avoided looking at, one she never spoke to...

At his words she mumbled a few incomprehensible words before clearing her throat and almost yelling "N-Nelia Magebane, pleased to meet you..!" in a very awkward tone, though she than realized that she would have already known that and so she quickly added "Would you like to discuss now or later? I still havnt had a proper bed and bath in a while and we are stuck here because of the storm anyway... also Marcus I am an anti-mage, not your average mage, we dont function the same way. So we shouldnt be flocked together." She added as respectfully as possible with a smile and her cheeks blushing more and more as the seconds went by.

[ATTN: Teleporter, Shelter]
--S'venton; Nothern UMS, Targon State; 3:37PM-–

Nadia felt herself settle back into her usual character, all the signs of her breakdown nearly gone now, only visible in the occasional twitch of a finger. She'd managed to shove her distress back, deeper and deeper into the recesses of her mind until she couldn't feel it anymore - or anything else for that matter.

"Homes can be rebuilt," she said, turning to the man who had responded so aggressively, her voice dead level. "Lives cannot. They can be replaced, certainly, but the souls of the dead cannot be pieced back together like a child's puzzle. All of these women would be dead without this man's aid - do you mean to tell them that their lives mean less to you than your shed?"

[ATTN: Rat, Whip, Amelia]
--UMS Border Territory, Targon State; White Cross Guild Hall; 3:37PM--

"Walsh," he responded. "Though my friend 'ere ain't from any Guild. We just found each other and decided to stick together for a bit." He ruffled Rat's hair next to him and smirked. "Thanks for lettin' us wait out the storm 'ere again. Means much."

[Attn: Train Station Group]
--Southern Targon State; Trainwreck, 4:00PM--
--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

Chiron huddled himself as he dug his hands into his pockets. It would've been great if Ryushi's barriers came with a heating unit. Being one of the few practicing doctors as well as a guild member, Chiron had to monitor the passengers, making sure everyone was safe and comfortable-as comfortable as one could possibly be in the frigid, damp train.

When the rescue train arrived, a wave of relief passed over Chiron's body. He had never been so happy to see a train already full of passengers. Ryushi tasked Chiron with assuring the injured made it to the other train first, and so Chiron walked from car to car, asking the passengers to allow those that were critically injured to leave first, followed by the ambulatory passengers, and so forth. Fortunately, everyone complied as fellow passengers and relatives helped the injured cross. It was only a matter of time until Chiron was stuffed into the rescue train himself.

At the station, the surrounding area was crowded with people, understandably. Chiron patiently waited for his chance to exit the train, shuffling along with the dozens of passengers that all congregated to a small tunnel. As Chiron walked, he looked around for his guildmates, hoping to meet them wherever the tunnel led.

***

When Janos agreed to join Char, Char helped his guildmate onto the horse. Leaving Rodimus to prepare the guild hall, Char rode swiftly to the station, ignoring the impending storm. Char reached to station early, but there was little time to rest. He looked to Janos after he dismounted,

"I'm not the biggest fan of escort missions, but we'll have to help direct the passengers to our guild while taking care of any potential threats. Think of it as being a club bouncer...for lots and lots of people..."

In the brief downtime, Char helped set up the station for the newcomers. Thankfully, a tunnel was set up just for them; this was probably Rodiums's idea. This just made their job a lot easier, although Char wasn't sure how Rodimus would handle the magi's eventual exhaustion. It wasn't long before the train screeched into the station, it's passengers were visibly crammed inside. When the doors opened, people poured into the station, bringing with them a symphony of noise. Char gestured the passengers to walk through the tunnel, but more peopled simply pushed their way off the train. In a matter of minutes, the station was flooded with noisy, bloody bodies. Char mounted his horse, thinking he'd have to get his voice out to everyone. With one hand on the horse's reigns and another next to his mouth, Char made his announcement at the top of his voice.

"HEEEEYYY! FERRUM COORDINATOR HAS FOOD AND SHELTER IN THEIR GUILD HALL! IF YOU WANT TO STAY SOMEWHERE SAFE, TAKE THE TUNNEL IN A CALM AND ORDERLY FASHION. CALM AND ORDERLY, PEOPLE!"

After repeating the same message twice, Char finally noticed people funneling into the tunnel. Char relaxed himself, feeling the strain he put on his vocal chords.

(ATTN : Good Train people)

(A lot of parts were collabed with Leah7 !)

--Southern Targon State; Trainwreck, 4:00PM--

Ryla was happy to see that they were helping people, though much lesser happy that they were all squeezed making it impossible to not touch someone. She obviously had a few minor flashes in her mind sometimes. She was however used to it so she ignored it. Now that she was a bit more calm though, she looked back at Jonah who sure had amazing features. A beautiful face with feminine, yet masculine features, beautiful platinum blonde hairs going to his shoulders, most of it loose and the sides near his ears were tied toward the back. ''He looks as majestic as an elf !!!'' She thought to herself while she kept staring, not being subtle at all.

Jonah notices her staring at him, so he smiles pleasantly and places a hand on her shoulder, "You alright there, dear?"

Ryla suddenly blush and reply ankwardly ''Y-Yes !!! '' while thinking ''The smile of an angel !!!!''

Jonah nods his head, "Oh, good. I didn't want to be rude, but...do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

''Um... no I don't ! '' Although to be fairly honest now that she was thinking about it maybe she was the one being rude...... Nah ! It's fine right ?.

"Why did you join that Guild of yours?"

''Oh ? I'm just a bit ruin and treasure fanatic, so of course that guild was just the place !'' She said with much passion in her eyes.

"Interesting," Jonah says, "You know, I don't have a Guild. The last time I was recruited into one, it was...well, it wasn't a pleasant experience."

With that, he shudders, and he accidentally bumps his shoulder into her as another vision flashes into her mind. This one consisted of a few dark and cloaked figures, holding up the symbol of Dark Ascension and whispering voices of nefarious threats against the man's life.

Ryla suddenly twitched for two seconds as this vision actually shocked her a bit. Then she started glaring in the void. ''Some evil man they were !!! Don't worry most guilds aren't like that !!! RAWR ! You should come visit ours to see by yourself, though looks like we'll be stopping somewhere else and stay there for a bit first... '' She said, ending with a small yawn. ''I'm pretty tired though... hope I get to go back home soon.''

"Me, too, Ryla." Jonah says, "You deserve a good rest. This crowd is starting to make me feel rather claustrophobic."

''Say... think you could wake me up when we get there ? I think I'll take a small nap !''

"You got it." Jonah says, "You can count on me."

''Yeaah !! Thanks !'' She lowered her head on her legs with her arms around them to not take too much space and be comfortable ish. Ryla fell asleep almost instantly.

Placing his arms around her, Jonah leans Ryla into the crook of his arm and becomes her pillow, so as to allow her to sleep.

Diggle had been watching and listening, but did not say anything.


Ryushi helped many go within the good train with the cooperation of others as well. When they were finally within the other train, fully transfered, it started to move toward their original destination. When they finally sit down and take a break so to speak, he sigh of relief. It was over, they could move on finally and everyone was safe. They still had to help moving passenger toward the said guild afterward though so there was still a bit of work left to do and he would not allow himself to rest until these were truly safe.


(ATTN : Near Ferrum's Coordinator's guild people/train station)

--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

The train finally came to a stop and Ryla was still sleeping soundly and also drooling on the poor Jonah.

Ryushi noticed the train finally stopped and he slowly got up along with many, inviting his guild members to do the same.

As they finally reach their destination, several of the passengers begin to stand and the ones in the distance begin to cheer. Jonah smiles widely and throws his other arm up in joy, looking over to Ryla to share in his excitement only to realize that she's still fast asleep.

Letting his better judgement fade away from him, he leans in and kisses her on the lips with his joy, then pulling away and saying happily "We made it safely from the storm!"

Diggle looks up at the two, stunned, his eyes wide and his mouth just mildly opened. He looks from one to the other as Jonah suddenly blushes as he realizes what he has done.

Ryla slowly opened her eyes at the contact of something or rather someone's lips to hers. She was still mildly confused, but then looked up after Jonah spoke. Then her brain started booting again and processing information... including the fact that she just had been kissed. ''Eh ?! '' She exclaimed suprised and completely flustered. ''K-k-k-k-kiss ?!.... '' It was like her brain was completely broken.

''Wooo ! Congrats to the new couple ! '' Valentino said clapping and winking at the poor Jonah before whispering ''Good moves man !''

Ryla however heard it and smacked Valentino instead of Jonah, still blushing.

''WOW !.. She's ma-'' Valentino was suddenly interupted by his guild master.

''Sorry for the trouble. '' Ryushi suddenly said grabbing Valentino's ear and pulling him away.

Ryla didn't know what to say anymore so she just stared and said ''umm um... Let's go kay?...''

Jonah, now a deep red, apologetically nods his head, "Yes, we really should get out of here...."

He falls into an awkward silence as the train finally begins to empty and become more spaced out.

''Can you help with transporting Lark again ? ....'' She asked gently and then passed her hand in front of diggle's eyes. ''You still alive Diggy ?

Diggle unfreezes, his smile becoming wider in an instant as he replies, "...yea! Yeah, of course. I got Lark...go on ahead, I can handle it."

''Kay thanks ! '' Ryla then turned back to Jonah and took his hand to move toward the exit with Diggle following behind with Lark on his back. When they get outside, Ryla let go of Jonah's hand, still a bit blushing. He and Diggle exchange words about the barrier though. It's then she see a bit further from her this dude she slapped and the other one who picked him up. ''I wonder who these people were.... I should probably appologize later though... '' She thought to herself while starring for a few secs in their direction.

''You should be a little more subtle. Anyhow you guys go on ahead I'll join you there. '' He said moving away a bit from his guildmates.

Valentino was holding the cheek that had been slapped ''Ow...'' And then was hit by Nadleeh who talked about him carrying her. ''Anything M'Lady desires ! It would be unworthly of me to let a princess such as yourself walk when she is tired. '' Although that punch was hurting too.


(ATTN : Jacobi, Open)

Ryushi was looking for Chirron, but somehow he could not find him anywhere. It's then that someone approached and talked to him, though with anything for a polite tone. By reflex Ryushi was a bit suspicious of the man, but at the same time he couldn't help, but to feel a dangerous aura around him that made him shiver. Even though somehow he could tell the man probably meant no harm... maybe ? ''I won't mind a word, although I would like to know who I'm speaking to.'' He said doing his best to hold his good figure regardless of the preassure coming from this man.


(ATTN : Rat, Whip, Seere, Open)

--UMS Border Territory, Targon State; White Cross Guild Hall; 3:37PM--

''I see ! That's pretty cool that you guys became friends that way.'' She said with a small giggle. ''Well, please make yourselves at home, I would not have abandoned anyone outside that needed help. These conditions are pretty terrible. ''

Jacobi

{ATTN: Open, Ryushi, Chiron}
--UMS Border Territory, Ventya State; Train; 4:00 pm--

Jacobi raises his eyebrow to Ryushi. “I forget, your guild is still new. Jacobi Rovegno, Valoria, S class. I am Mia’s right hand guy. Anyway, I have a little bit of guild business to conduct with you.” He looks around for potential snoops. The best part with his ability is only the bravest would try to snoop. He digs out a key and holds it in front of Ryushi. “I was tasked to give you this. Before you ask, I don’t know what it is for. You just have to keep it with you. Now take it and I will be out of your hair.”

Kaimele

{ATTN: Open}--Terrenia City, Crye Estate; 3:00pm--

Kaimele is thankful for the rest as the pain and coldness eventually fades. It isn’t too long after she hears a gentle knock on her door. It is Lord Cyre and he tells her that the party is continuing. For a brief moment she is surprised, but life does go on as well. She nods and looks up at him. “Would you like for me to dance again? I did bring along other outfits. It may help the people to relax and forget what happened even for a little while.”

"Oh, that would be a blessing, my dear." He replies, "I know there are many that still desire a dance with you."

Kaimele smiles. “I will be right out after a quick costume change. Thank you so much Lord Cyre.” She is glad it wasn’t anything more. She was in bad shape when the guard brought her back to the room. After the Lord leaves, she goes to her trunk and finds the outfit she was looking for. It is a nice brightly colored kimono. It is made out of linen instead of silk. She only wishes she could afford a silk one. She makes sure to do her hair first. For once not using a wig because her black hair will suffice. It is done up in an intricate bun style with stick adorning it. Most people will assume it is a wig. She forgoes the white face make up though knowing this is not a solitary performance.

After her hair is set up, she puts on the kimono. She feels so elegant in this outfit. She slides her feet into some sandals. She grabs some fans that she received from her grandmother as a present many years ago. One final look in the mirror and she leaves her room.

She hopes to find Director Sanoji to find some music to go with this outfit. It will be a quieter dance, not anything like her first performance. She walks back to the ball room as is in luck as he is over by the orchestra. She approaches him and waits for an opening, not wanting to interrupt anything. They talk quietly for a few moments before she walks on stage again.

The people were quietly milling around until they hear the music begin. Clementina begins her slow and graceful dance. It is not the traditional fan dance, but is still as mesmerizing. She hopes it will cheer up the crowd.

[ATTN: (Unconscious Lark), Jacobi, Ryushi, Chiron, Janos, Char]
--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

**COLLAB WITH LEAH7 and.. holy... just read the whole thing kay ? It's super duper worth it and regards everyone, but could be confusing if you just skim it. I'll just go in a corner and hyper ventilate and cry and and stuff oh and roll on the floor. *dead* MAJOR PLOT POINT TEASER REVEALED I REPEAT MAJOR PLOT POINT TEASER REVEALED ! YOU WANT TO READ THIS POST, okay I'm done.... I'll let you go with the reading *stare***

Sheridan, ever in the background, has stayed vaguely with the group this entire time.  However, he kept his distance, so as to be fully observant of Lark and the other mysterious company that has been around them.  

Although he kept his distance, he never let Ryla stray too far from his sight for too long.  For some reason, ever since their moment together within the ruins, he has felt a sort of kinship to her, almost as if they were brother and sister, somehow, without really ever knowing it.  

However, now that they are close to the tunnel, just barely about to reach the barriers against the world's storm, he looks up through that thin barrier nervously and unhappily and his concern for his life and for those around him rise significantly.  No wonder the crowd has been moving so slowly...everyone is afraid to go through it.

The barrier holders, all standing within with their backs against the structures, look exhausted and stressed as they hold their magic intact together against the storm's might and rage.  He can only image how drained each of them must be.   All of the meshed barriers have all patched together like patches in an article of clothing.  They are of varied colors and textures, as well of different makes.

It's amazing how much all magi's powers vary.  He is crossing under it, almost, close to that entrance and now ready to walk in out of pure awe of the power above him, protecting him.  He looks about for Ryla and he sees her, standing next to a robed man that had helped the unconscious Lark before.

They are a behind him.  He smiles at her and waves, to catch her attention.  They hadn't spoken in a while...he isn't near as social as she.  However, as their eyes meet, sharp pain erupts in his chest.  Instantly, his hand goes up to his chest where a familiar mark remains on his skin, burning with intense heat.

With a pained expression, his vision becomes blurred as he collapses...and as he falls to the ground, unconscious, he thinks, that for just a moment, Ryla may have fallen, too.   Is she okay?  Is he okay?  Are they going to die here under the storm?

Ryla was walking with Jonah and then turned back to see that Sheridan was right behind and as he waved at her, she was about to say hi ... however a strong pain started to burn from the place where her shazeer mark was. She holds her right collarbone for a quick moment out of a reflex and then her vision becomes blurry and she collapse as well.

Dizziness.  The room is spinning and for a while...for an indiscernible amount of time, Sheridan simply lays there, trying to grasp a hold onto gravity.  There is nausea in his stomach, his head is filled with racking pain, his throat is burning and his chest--that mark--it's ice cold, now.  

Finally, he gets the courage and energy to open his eyes.  He sits up and finds that he was laying on a solid, black floor of marble, reflecting his staggered countenance back at him as he leans over and realizes that he is in a dim torchlight, which causes the reflection in the floor to flicker with the fire found at the center of the room.

He hears a groan from the other side.  It sounds like a woman.  With weakened, trembling limbs, he musters up all that he has to stand and walk slowly to the other side of the room.  His feet clatter against the hard floor as he finds Ryla laying down, looking sickened.

"R-ryla?"  Sheridan asks, "Are you okay?"

At the sound of what seemed like Sheridan, she opened her eyes slowly. ''Nooo.....'' She said with the face of a beaten puppy. She was really confused, few seconds ago she was with the others and now she was in this weird place on a cold floor and everything was spinning. ''Why is everything so .... round and round... ?... Did I drink something ? ...'' She suddenly gags and almost threw up, but kept it down while holding her mouth with her hand. Not to mention her head was feeling like it was constantly spitted in two. She looked completely out of energy compared to how much she was moving usually. ''Oh... you have a shiny spot there.....'' She said with a weak voice while attempting to point at the shazeer symbol that was glowing through Sheridan's clothes.

Sheridan just noticed Ryla's mark, when she pointed out his.  he looks down and then looks back up at hers.  Their Shazeer marks.   He pulls his shirt down a bit and looks back up at Ryla with disbelief.

"What's happening?"  he asks, confused, "Yours is glowing, too."

"You have been summoned."  A familiar voice says.

Looking over, Sheridan's jaw drops.  It is the Ninth.  The Shazeer figure that they saw before in the ruins.  Summoned, it says....but why?   Of all the records he ever found of the Shazeer people, they never spoke of summoning or of dark rooms.  He shudders.  He's afraid of the dark and he's surrounded by it.  He moves closer to Ryla out of comfort and protection.

"Why?"  Sheridan asks.

Ryla tries to slowly sit down while shaking and she almost throw up again, but manage to keep it down still. ''Su-Summoned ?....'' Sheridan then comes closer to her , however she feels too weak to do much so she just let him stand close to her.

"We are where time stands still."  The Ninth replies, "So that we may show you a glimpse of your future.  A future that will be, if the Shazeer do not interfere."

The Ninth approaches them both and Sheridan gets down next to Ryla and puts his arm over her shoulder.  He tells himself that it is to comfort her and protect her--and for the most part, it is.  However, part of him knows that it is to feel safe.  In the dark.  The Ninth bends down on one knee and reaches out with both hands to touch each of them with an index finger.

He doesn't fight it--the mark has stopped hurting and aching, now that the Ninth is closer.  He finds relief in it.  So, as the finger touches, he sees the Ninth's eyes light up with a brilliant light and then there he is, standing under the barrier again with a crowd of people.

Everything is fine, as if he never collapsed.  It's as if his chest had never burned.  He looks back, smiling, and waves at Ryla next to her friend.  She miles and waves back vigorously with a big smile.  With relief, he laughs to himself as he turns back around to enter the tunnel.   The summoning must have been a dream.

And so he steps in, and as he does, one of the barrier magi collapse in exhaustion.    He recognizes Diggle standing nearby, who suddenly looks alarmed as he rushes over to the collapsed man along.  Another barrier mage rushes over, as well, but Sheridan can only see the back of his head and his delicate looking form as he rushes and bends down to help the man.  

The last thing that Sheridan sees is Diggle and the man with a White Cross tattoo on the back of his right hand moving down to pick the man up and shouting and gesturing for help.  They both look alarmed as the two men pick him up and begin to carry him towards Ryla and her robed friend, who gestures for them to come near.

However, as the man reaches out to heal the collapsed barrier mage, Sheridan sees another two figures collapse from the corner of his eye.  Suddenly, the barrier above him has a hole in it and the water and wind rushes in as the barrier begins to collapse.  They go into the air, rushed away by the wind.  Diggle reaches out to take Ryla's hand, but the wind is more swift and strong, taking him and the delicate man with him.

Ryla reaches out with a scream, but Sheridan can't hear her crying out.  He is pulled away into the storm after the people in the tunnel are pulled away.  The robed man, however, has held fast to Ryla and kept her on the ground, away from the tunnel and within the building's protection that they were just about to exit when following Sheridan.  

As Sheridan dies, he wakes up with a gasp as he falls away and onto the hard, marble floor once more.  His body shakes as the cold and pain of the storm slowly begins to fade from his body.  The pain of death...it lingers for a time and Sheridan finds himself unable to say anything.

Then, he relives another memory as it flashes in his mind.  Camilla.  Camilla, his love, the woman he never confessed his heart to, died the exact same way on a Sheherazade mission several years ago.   He had lost her and Ryla...Ryla is about to lost him in the exact same way.  

He remembers now that when he and Ryla had first met, when they first met...she had seen a vision.  She has to live the moment where Sheridan watched the love of his life die in a hurricane that he had failed to save her from.  He remembered the tears that Ryla had suddenly shed for a woman that she never had the pleasure to meet.  He remembered holding her and comforting her for his own pain that he had barely walked away from.  

And now, as he came back into the shadows of the Ninth's summon, he realizes that Ryla has now lived this experience again.   Only this time, the memory is her own and it's more than one friend that she just lost.  He reaches out to hold her.

As the ninth approaches, the pain fades slowly  and Sheridan had an arm around her shoulders. The shazeer spoke about a certain future if they did not come into play and said he would show them. As he place a finger on each of their forehead at the same time his eyes start to glow and Ryla wondered what this was about.

Her vision came back to before collapsing and everything seemed fine and she smiled back to Sheridan before some commotion happened about a mage collapsing. A people were going to help however two more soon after collapsed. Ryla was scared as the wind and the water entered the tunnel, she had already gotten out of it however Diggle and Sheridan were still in it as well as many others, she tried to reach out to go help again...  but they were brought up in the air, pulled by the wind. She screamed with all of the power of her lungs and tried to go after them out of reflex, but a force pushed her to the ground and a heavy weight kept her there.

Coming back with a flash she scream and cry in a shock holding her head, not wanting to accept what she just saw. But then someone hold her tight and she warps back to reality. ''Sheridan .... ?!... you... '' She just bury herself on his chest and cried more. ''We can't let ... this happen... I had ENOUGH with deaths and bad thing happening.... please make it stop ... first our guildmaster... then lark and the trains... now this... '' She continued to be upset to the point of forgetting that she came  back before the shazeer.

Sheridan held her for a bit, trying to comfort her while also getting over the shock of his own death.  And, to a degree, over the loss of Camilla again.  A part of him lost her again, somehow, after losing himself.  It is odd and doesn't make much sense, but there it is.   He's at a loss for words.  

Ryla's words make it clear that this future isn't one that she can accept.  She seems quite defiant and so the Ninth nods its head with understanding at her sorrow as it speaks in a soft tone, expressing some form of sadness that seems...dulled, somehow.  

"Had we the people...the Shazeer people, preventing this future would be simple."  The Ninth says, "But the people are gone and all we have is you two.  So...this power must come at a cost."

Sheridan brushes his fingers through Ryla's hair with one hand and runs his hand down her back gently with the other.  His eyes, however, are on the Ninth.  He's nervous and he's doing everything he can to keep it together in this moment.  What will this price be?  

Sheridan is about to ask when the truth comes to him.   Realization strikes as his eyes widen with understanding.  Another vision comes into play, this time showing his own death in order to give what power he has left in his soul over to Ryla as she saves the lives of the hundreds of people that are currently within the tunnel.  In order for the others to live...Sheridan has to die.  

The vision ends and he looks at the Ninth without hesitation.  "I understand."   Then, his gaze turns to that of Ryla and from her expression, he can tell that she knows what the price is, too.  She must have seen the same vision that he did.  He smiles at her weakly and sadly.  He accepts the price.

Memories flash into his mind as he suddenly accepts his death.  Memories focused now on Ryla, remembering when she had first joined the Guild.  The energetic girl made a point to introduce herself to everyone in the Guild Hall that day.  She waved and laughed and went straight into the artifacts room to ogle at all of their goods.

He remembered when they first laid eyes on each other.  He was placing his newest find behind a class casing and she, overcome with curiosity and excitement, bounded in and placed her face up against the glass with a zealous desire to get closer.

Another memory rushed forward.  The day Jamie spoke to anyone for the first time in years.  He was a reclusive Guild Member that stayed away from everyone and kept to himself.  He wouldn't talk, he wouldn't smile.  Yet, that day, Ryla said something to him after her magic had made her see...something mysterious.    And he smiled and spoke for the first time and they hugged.

So many moments rushed into his mind, moments of her smile and laughter with the group at the Guild Hall table.  She had hugged so many, handed out drinks as they discussed and debated the Shazeer and other such theories over the past.  Over their finds.  She always had this joyous glow and so Sheridan's smile grows as he becomes so happy that this girl is the last person that he will see in this lifetime.   What a blessing.

She was being comforted by Sheridan, but then the Shazeer spoke to them about the fact that if this would have been the past when all the Shazeer were there, it would have been a simple task, but now it would have to come with a price. Ryla's heart skipped a beat and then a vision came to mind and she looked at Sheridan's face who was fully prepared for his death to protect the others and she just was speechless, heartbroken even.

"Ryla must accept to be our vessel."  The Ninth says.

"Of course she accepts."  Sheridan says, standing up, holding out a hand down to her to help her stand.  "Don't you, lovely girl?"

"As a vessel, you will stop this storm."  The Ninth explains.

She nods weakly as they don't really have a choice and Sheridan already made his choice even though it's painful. She won't hear his sweet words after this or talk to him, hold him.... nothing. She stands up with his help, but then give him a tight hug still crying. ''I.... I.... accept....'' She said the words with a cracking voice as more crying came to when she let go. She then let out a large breath and showed eyes of determination over the ones of sadness, but with tears still pouring. ''Let's stop this stupid storm !''

With her reply, Sheridan smiles a big grin and kisses Ryla's forehead.  "Goodbye, my dear friend.  I'm so proud of you.  I love you so very much."

Suddenly, it's as if the two are ripped apart from each other's arms as reality rushes in and Sheridan finds himself under the barrier tunnel once more, just as he had always been.  He turns, waving at his friend as tears begin to fall from his eyes.  His body collapses.

Suddenly, a barrier mage collapses to the floor.  Diggle and the White Cross guild master rush to him with the strong desire to save them and Jonah calls out that he is a healer.  They rush to move him forward as a hole rips into the barrier and Diggle is already being pulled back from Ryla's reach.

Jonah and Diggle both gasp as Ryla's chest glows a brilliant white.  Her eyes, too, suddenly flash with the same light as her entire body glows, levitating above the ground as the a giant pulse, starting from her body as it has risen into the air, rushes out into the atmosphere with blinding light and force.

Jonah falls on his butt, many of those around him also falling from the force.  His eyes are closed from the brilliance of the light and all sound is gone.  As he opens his eyes, he looks up to see Ryla's body, still in the air with a magnificent glow.  A low buzz is ringing in his ears and he feels all tingly...all over.  It's so strange.

And with the pulse, a calm came and the storm's rage pushes back as it spreads out into the distance and fades into nothingness.  The storm has ended.  The people, which moments ago almost died, are now saved.  Ryla just saved them.  With her magic.  She must be an S class!  Jonah thinks to himself.   He had no idea he was speaking to a high-class mage this entire time.  He is humbled.

Diggle, his jaw dropped, stands up, as do many others.  Hundreds of people are walking out towards the floating girl in the sky, looking up at her with amazed and confuses expressions.  Silence.  Yet, sounds has returned, but it is as if all are speechless for their savior.  

Then, Jonah realizes that the man that was just waving at Ryla...he is on the ground.  He didn't stand like the rest of them and his eyes are closed.  Using his power, he uses deathwatch, finding that the body is soulless.  He is dead.  Yet, he wasn't pulled out into the storm...how did that happen?  He moves to the man to determine the cause of his death, but he cannot find anything...his magic, for the first time, reveals no answer.

A few people begin to chatter with excitement, and so he looks up, distracted.  They are pointing up to Ryla, who's body is slowly coming down to the ground.  Diggle begins to rush up towards her, and so Jonah follows suit.  He's...he's stunned.  He's scared for her.  He's worried.  He's sad that he couldn't save the waving man.

As Ryla's feet touch the ground, her eyes stop glowing, as does the spot on her chest from under her clothes.  Diggle tries to push people away from her, granting her space.  A few other magi assist with this and Jonah pushes in, saying he's a healer.  A few people in the distance begin to clap.  Then, everyone is clapping.   Thanking her for their lives.

"Ryla?  I-is that...are you--?"  Diggle can't even form the rest of his words as she stands firm upon the ground, looking normal again as if nothing had happened.

After accepting, the eight as well as Sheridan's soul enter her body and raw magic power was coursing through her veins. She felt the storm, the lives around her and their heartbeats as she rose up... their mix feelings, emotions and fear all at once. She also felt something dark and powerful... a massive gate at the end of the continent, waiting to be opened. This door was full of evil and death leaking out of it. It threatens the destruction of the entire world however Ryla feels even with all this power... it wouldn't be enough to stop it.

The power moves in action and create a gigantic pulse which stops within a few moments the storm that was raging seconds ago and she then slowly levitate back down toward the ground. The power she felt moments ago started to slowly fade and so was the presence of the eight within the body and Sheridan's soul which feels out of grasp as they bring him with them. However... she somehow felt herself more powerful than before she had the exchange. Everything seemed so unreal and as she was finally back in control and heard someone's voice... she did not reply right away. However tears started to flow as she stood there not knowing how to react to all these emotions. People were clapping seemed in awe of her, yet she was too stunned to fully react yet.

She doesnt' speak, so Jonah goes up to see if she needs to be healed...and jumps back at the touch.  She's in perfect health.  And...something about her feels off.  It's as if she's damaged mentally, but not physical.  It's beyond his capabilities to heal.

Diggle is looking distraught, somehow, confused.  "Ryla.  Ryla?  Ryla!   What happened?  You don't have this magic, why didn't you tell me you have this magic?"

''I.... I.... '' She tried to speak, but it was only more and more tears flowing. ''Sheridan he... '' Ryla was having trouble to continue trying her best not to explode. ''He.... he.... '' But she was not able to say anymore for now and just brought her hands to her face and exploded in tears. It was all too much to take in, the visions she had seen of everyone dying, Sheridan that could not be saved, this godlike power... everything that happened till now and that she kept inside... it just came out all at once.

Diggle can see the girl is distraught.  He doesn't understand what is happening, but something is terribly wrong.  Does she not realize how many people she just saved?  How can she be soo sad?  And what's Sheridan got to do with any of this?  He moves forward, but Jonah gets to her first and he holds her tight and hugs her with a caring embrace to comfort her.

He looks at Diggle knowingly, as if he knows why she is so upset and hurt.  He speaks sadly to reveal that this is true.  "Her friend...the one that waved at her earlier...he is dead.  Is that Sheridan?  Is that his name?"  

Diggle's eyes suddenly express his fear as he turns to run in the direction of where he last saw Sheridan.  It can't be true.  They can't have lost yet another friend.  First Bentas, then Rex...and now Sheridan?  Just how much loss is Sheherazade meant to suffer these last few days?  

With a flash of movement, Diggle is gone and Jonah is left with Ryla as people try to talk over the magi keeping them away from her.  The storm is gone, the sky is blue and birds...birds are coming out to sing.  It's so odd.  One would never know about the ravaging storm that was here just minutes ago, if they hadn't seen it with their own eyes.  What is the explanation?  

"Why don't we...get you out of this crowd?"  Jonah suggests, "Would that help you to feel a little better?"

She just buried herself further on his chest to cry even louder, she didn't care about anything right now she just needed to let it all out.


[ATTN:  ALL ACTIVE CHARACTRERS]

At this very moment, the storm will suddenly stop after you feel a pulse of magic wave through you.  If you're near a window, you will also see a flash of light in this very moment.  Additionally, you will fall from the force of this pulse, regardless of where you are, unless you're already laying or sitting on a sturdy structure.

After the pulse has passed, you'll notice the storm's absence, as well as a deep vibration or buzz in your ears, as well as a small tingling in your skin.  it will eventually pass, but the source of the pulse and it's after effects are unknown to you.

Lastly, if your character holds a Guild Key at this time, you will also sense death in the pulse.  The death of a person, but who that person is will also be unknown.

Kaimele

{ATTN: Open}--Terrenia City, Crye Estate; 4:20pm--

Clementina finishes her dance and the audience applauds her. Once again she thanks Director Sanoji for his excellent choice of music. She steps down from the stage and begins to mingle with the crowd. The music begins again and the guests step on the dance floor again. Clementina is one of the people having accepted the offer of one of the guests. One she does not know the name of.

Their dance is interrupted however when Clementina feels a pulse rip through her body. A quick glance and crashing noise alerts her that she is not the only one who felt this. Several members of the orchestra dropped their instruments and some of the guests have fallen as well. She notices Lady Cyre next to her on the floor holding her ankle. The guests who have fallen begin to slowly stand up while the musicians check on their instruments.

Clementina goes to Lady Cyre. “Please don’t try standing just yet.” She appears to be doing a cursory exam of the ankle. However she is really doing a scan. Depending how attune Lady Cyre is to magic she may or may not feel the gentle intrusion. “I don’t think it is broken, but please let me help you to a seat so you can rest it.”

With the help of one of the guests they help Lady Cyre into a standing position, putting no weight on the ankle of course. Clementina tells another guest to get some ice for the Lady.

Slowly they walk from the dance floor to the seating area. On the way, Kaimele without even thinking, uses her healing ability on the Lady’s ankle. By the time that she sits down, the pain in Lady Cyre’s ankle is gone. She should not feel anything wrong if she decided to put weight on it.

The ice is brought to Lady Cyre and some closer guests begin to dote on her. Kaimele takes the opportunity to retreat. As she walks to a seat far from Lady Cyre. She overhears murmurs of the storms sudden stop. She pauses by the window and sees the sunshine for herself. A group of the guest congregate by the windows as well pondering what could have happened.

Kaimele steps away, developing a slight limp before she could reach the chair. She sits down and rubs her ankle. She only hopes that in all of the commotion, Lady Cyre does not realize that Kaimele healed her. It was only a twisted ankle after all.


Will post as Jacobi Later.

[ATTN: Shelter]
--S'venton; Nothern UMS, Targon State; 4:20PM-–

Nadia curtsied at the Mayor's words, and after another nod at the teleporter, she returned to the side of her companions in Quinsenterra. She knelt down near Xaroff's side, her hands on her knees as she listened to the storm raging overhead.

Nadia reached out her hands to brace herself as she felt herself struck by a pulse of energy. She wasn't the only one to feel it - Sache tumbled to the ground nearby, and the teleporter as well jerked as if struck. Nadia looked up as she grew aware of how suddenly silent it was - the din of the storm had shut off like a faucet.

She stood up, her skin tingling and her ears humming, and looked over at Sache and Attica. From the looks on their faces, they were at as much of a loss as she.

Nadia made her way for the doors to the shelter and pressed her ear against the door. Nothing. With a quick, nervous breath she pushed the door open a crack and looked through. The storm was gone - outside it was eerily still.

Nadia stepped away from the door. "It... looks like the storm has passed," she said, giving Sache a confused look. Had some magic stopped the storm? Who even could possess such powerful magic?

[ATTN: Whip]
--UMS Border Territory, Targon State; White Cross Guild Hall; 4:20PM--

Seere was more than happy to join Whip in her room, and so when the pulse of magic rippled through, he was fortunately still lying down next to her in bed. The magic pulse hit hard, and Seere flinched against it, spreading out his hands to brace himself. Had he been standing he was certain the pulse would have knocked him to the floor.

"What th' hell was that?" he said.

[ATTN: (Unconscious Lark), Jacobi, Ryushi, Chiron, Janos, Char]
--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

After Ryushi helped the mage he currently had with him a few others were falling one after the other. Ryushi tried to rush to two of them to help them out... but he sort of stopped on his way there as he saw literally a guy fall and his soul come out of his body. He couldn't help, but wonder what was going on, his thoughts were soon stopped by the wind coming inside the barrier. However it was now the girl the man had been waving to that was weird. A symbol started to glow on her and she started glowing as 8 souls including the one of the man entered her.

Ryushi was frozen on the spot like all the others, but he took a few step back when he saw that colossus spirit(ninth) appear under the spot where the girl was now at... in the air. A radiant light then came along with a gigantic pulse that just made him fall over his butt. Immediatly though when he sort of recovered... although his ears were ringing a bit, he saw the girl slowly come back down, the colossus dissapear and the other souls spread out, the man was brought along with them. He just couldn't believe it... what just had happened ? What was that exactly ?! The girl had clearly been possessed for a few moments, but it seemed more by some kind of deity or something.

It's then she heard her cry and understood instanly that the man was dead... he would have to talk with her once she was less upset to talk about it. He just couldn't believe that a storm had been there a minute ago. For now however he decided to stay on the ground.... he was too tired and felt like his legs would probably give up on him if he tried to get up.


(ATTN : White cross guild)
--UMS Border Territory, Targon State; White Cross Guild Hall; 4:20PM--

''Eeek !'' Amelia exclaimed as she fell on the floor from a big bang. A lot of people did so as well and some were getting a bit panicked.

''Don't worry guys I'll go check.'' She said as she went toward one of the windows that had baricades in front but still some cracks to see. ''UUUUUUH ?!... wait... where did the storm go ? .... Must have been coming from that magic energy... but still who would have the power to do that ?'' She mumbled to herself. ''Oh right I have to go back. ''

She went back to the people in the main hall and said ''Well looks like... the storm is gone ! I don't know how this is even possible, but yeaah !! Everyone is safe !''

Jacobi

{Attn: Ryushi, Chiron, Janos, Char}--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

Well that was easy. Jacobi was thankful for that. He is thankful that the magicians had a barrier to the Ferrum Guild. He only wished that he could give away another key here. Ferrum people we decent, not like the Quinn pansies and the “holy” White Cross. Wait wasn’t the other person on his list from White Cross as well?

He makes it to the bar in the main room of the guild and manages to grab a stool. Hey he was polite, he didn’t ever have to say a word. Although the person who occupied it previously was almost white when he scurried off. Jacobi sees the tender is busy, so he takes out his sheet. Yep a Chiron, White Cross. He nods at the tender who placed a pint of ale in front of him. He only hopes luck in on his side as he takes out the compass. He stated Chiron’s name and the compass spins around crazy like.

Before Jacobi could react he is thrown against the bar. He is pissed as he almost spills his fucking ale. He spins around ready to bark at the person who pushed into him, but no one was there. It appears others were laid out as well. He also felt that the wave was a magic one, and death…Did something happen to one of the mages holding the barriers? He also notices heat from the pouch he had the keys in. It was a lot to go through the leather. He is thankful for the others panicking as he opens the pouch. One of the keys is glowing as if heated up. It is not affecting the integrity of the key or others. “What the fuck?” He whispers. Well he know which key is going next.

He slaps the money on the bar and takes out the compass. First things first, he needs to see if this Chiron dude is around here still. As he steps up from the stool he notices sunshine. What the storm is done? There is no way that it could have ended this quickly. He also notices a commotion around where the barrier ended, but avoids it. Not his circus, his mission for the train is done. He has wasted enough time, and needs to finish his own.

((OOC: Vye, give me a clue as to where Chiron is))

[Attn: Ferrum guild hall, train station, open]

Char continued monitoring the flow of evacuees from atop his horse, anticipating the last couple of people that would exit the train. He was extremely thankful for the guild's magi as the storm turned incredibly violent. Each of the men holding this barrier earned themselves a day off from work, maybe even a little bit more. Of course, Char couldn't show just how happy he was the barrier was holding. As the guild head's right-hand-man, he had to show unwavering confidence in his men. Char didn't bother batting an eye at the storm as he guided people into the tunnel.

When the line of people slowed to a crawl, Char began to fear for the worst. He looked towards the tunnel, but he couldn't determine what was happening inside. So many people were crammed together that Char only saw a line of standing bodies, all moving away, trying to disperse against the shield's walls. A body flew out of the tunnel and into the air, and at that moment, Char realized something happened to the barrier. With all the people in the way, Char couldn't hope to get to the situation in a timely manner, he could only watch from afar. After a moment, a bright glow emanated from the same location, followed by a massive shockwave that showed no signs of stopping. Char could only hold up his arm before the force knocked him to the ground. He landed shoulder first, squinting from the pain in his arm, but when he opened his eyes, Char saw the clouds give way to sky.

***

Waiting at Ferrum's front entrance, Chiron watched the storm clouds swirl and the rain crash against the barrier. He was admittedly excited to check out another guild from a far-off land, but his guildmates were taking longer than expected. Last he checked, Ryushi and the others weren't too far behind. A bright light shone from the tunnel, and the next thing Chiron knew, he was sprawled against the building's wall with one leg in the air. More dumbfounded than anything, Chiron fixed himself back into a kneeling position. He wasn't the only one to feel the shock, seeing that everyone else was recovering from a fall. Chiron looked to the tunnel to see a glowing figure in the air, but more importantly, the storm quickly dissipated as if some force, the same force that knocked him into the wall, scared off the storm surge above them.

[Attn: Open]
Location: Infinity Edge Guild

Nymeria quietly read her book in the guild's mess hall as the floor suddenly came to meet her face. Grumbling, Nymeria surveyed her immediate surroundings to find whatever pushed her, but nobody was near her. What's more, the other guild members were also reeling on the floor, just as confused. Nymeria knew something very odd had occurred, so she looked to find a window. To her surprise, the impending storm was clearing as quickly as it arrived.

Jacobi

{Attn: Chiron, Open}--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

He is thankful for the sun being out. At least Ferrum won’t be crowded for too long. However he has a feeling that they will want to investigate the source of the magic pulse. No more, he is done taking on other quests. He needs to get his done first. He needs to get out and away from the people. He looks down at the compass and it makes a sharp left as soon as he gets outside. He looks around at the people and follows the compass. Close to the entrance he sees a man in clothes similar to the other one he gave a key too. Sure enough the compass is pointing right at him. It must be the Chiron on the list. He cannot believe his luck.

He approaches the man. Reaching in to appear less intimidating. “It seems you were affected by that weird pulse as well.” He looks around at the people exiting the guild hall. Too many to give him the key outright, fuck. “I know this is going to sound strange, but I am actually looking for you. If you could spare a moment. I know Ryushi is going to be busy inside for a little while at least. I promise I ain’t gonna hurt you and I will be quick.”

[Attn: Jacobi]
--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

Chiron dusted himself off, displeased with the newfound dirt on his clean white clothes. If he and the guild were staying over night, Chiron would firstly find a laundromat. An unfamiliar man approached the mildly peeved doctor, although the man didn't appear to contain any ill intent. Chiron patiently listened to the man's request as he evaluated what the person could possibly want with him. He may be working for someone Chiron had history with, although he probably would have dropped a familiar name by now. Even so, Chiron was open to a little easy conversation after the day's stress.

"I'm waiting for my other guildmates, but I'm free for a little bit. Is there someone that needs medical attention?"

Jacobi

{Attn: Chiron, Open}--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall, UMS; 4:20PM--

#guild_key

Jacobi shakes his head. “Nah nothing medical. However I do prefer a bit more privacy.” He looks around and makes sure no one is paying attention. Like usual people give him a wide berth. It is something he is used to by now. “It seems you don’t know me either. I am Jacobi Rovegno, Class S Valoria guild.” He digs in his pocket as he is introducing himself. “I’ve been tasked as a delivery guy to hand certain people an item.” He brings out the key. “Before ya ask, I don’t know what it does, but I know that you should keep it on your person and not tell anyone about it.” He waits for Chiron to take it. “Oh and good luck inside, I think others got knocked around.”

[Attn: Infinity Edge Guild members, Open]
[Location: Infinity Edge Guild Hall; Ventya State - UMS; 4:00pm]

Xiax had gotten back into his room as the storm worsened. He was grabbing his coat and getting ready to risk going out into it to try and rescue some of the other homeless. There would have been a few too afraid to seek shelter and had been caught out in it. Inside the Guildhall Xiax wasn't aware just how bad it was outside, the barrier helped delude him.

When he opened back up the door and ventured out into the hall he caught sight of several refugees waiting out the storm huddled against the walls. It took much longer than expected to get into the main guildhall maybe a quarter hour or so.

The place was incredibly busy, people going everywhere. Somehow people still gave him a wide enough birth that he hadn't run into anyone physically yet. Or at least the ones he had didn't seem to be triggering his power, which meant they must be normal people. He made it all the way to the door, and pulled it open.

He was greeted mostly by noise, the storm pretty much drowned out everyone yelling and screaming at him. Xiax was stunned speechless, frozen stiff as most of a building was heading towards where he was standing inside the guildhall. He didn't have time to move or think as it connected with the barrier and exploded into shrapnel and bounced harmlessly away.

People kept yelling at him, and when he looked back towards the tiny almost unnoticeable noise they made he caught sight of them pausing to grab him or others keeping them from doing so. It became pretty obvious that what he was attempting was suicide and that they thought he'd gone mad.
Everyone at the door quickly stopped, struck speechless. Xiax caught the something reflected in their eyes and turned round fearful that the barrier was breaking, it was the only thing that explained the sheer fear on their faces.
He didn't have time to register what was happening, just that there was light, and nothing else. His power triggered, and Xiax fell to the floor like a marionette having it's strings cut, unable to be roused.

[Attn: Ryla, Closed] #Guild_Shazeer
[Location: Unknown; Timeless]

The light vanished as quickly as it had come, leaving Xiax in pitch darkness. Sitting up as his eyes adjusted he felt something cool and hard under his fingers. Wherever here was the only thing he noticed was the mirror black stone beneath him and the dim torch that provided the only light. Xiax couldn't make out any walls or even a ceiling but he must be inside since he didn't feel any wind.
He was all alone, and that made him self-conscious. That caused a red flag to spring up in his mind as he immediately noticed that his power was activated. Or was it? He felt like it was, but he couldn't feel what it was connecting and it hurt to try and think deeply about it.

As Xiax is contemplating and racking his brain to try and figure out what the bleep is going on with his power, something he isn't used to having a lack of feedback from, there is the sound of footsteps approaching. Xiax scrambles to his feet and darts to the torch and pulls it out of it's holder, "Stand back!" he warns the dark skinned heavily tattooed, bare chested man approaching him. Xiax wasn't happy with people sneaking up on him, though he wasn't sure if this guy was a hobo or someone interrupted mid-shower, the white clothe wrapped around his waist kinda made it confusing like that. No matter what the glowing bluish tattoos and eyes made it pretty clear this was someone Xiax wanted to void and not touch EVER! Illyana would slap me if she saw me like this right now.

"What do you want?" Xiax asked the man who hadn;t said anything yet but had stopped when Xiax told him to stay back. This scaredy-cat hobo was trying to fish around in his pocket with his free hand looking for his knife or strangling cord.... just in case. The cord was there, but Xiax wrapped his hand around the knife. Even if he would feel more comfortable with the cord, his power might render him a vegetable if he went to use it so he had no resort but to fall back to the knife.

"The Void renders your weapons useless. Fortunately, we mean you no harm."
"The Void renders your weapons useless. Fortunately, we mean you no harm."
"The Void renders your weapons useless. Fortunately, we mean you no harm."

Xiax felt a deathly chill run down his spine as the man spoke in many voices. Xiax also quickly spun around in circles holding his torch like a lifeline as he searched for this guys companions. "Come out of the shadows where I can see you!" He really didn't want to get kidney shanked like some tard by a stabby hobo in a dark alley for beer money. That shit wasn't cool, not that Xiax had that ever done that.... shhhhhhhhh. That hobo was asking for it.

"We are One. The Ninth is a combination of eight souls into one entity. We are the Ninth."
"We are One. The Ninth is a combination of eight souls into one entity. We are the Ninth."
"We are One. The Ninth is a combination of eight souls into one entity. We are the Ninth."

That wasn't creepy at all. "So you're gonna do what? Suck out my soul and become the Tenth?!" Xiax took a step back, this shit was way too fucked up to be real, but just in case. Then the guy gave off the creeper vibe with an amused smile... Xiax wasted no time to pull out his stabby knife, "You stay over there you sick fucker. I don't want you to gobble my soul like grav-

"We mean you no harm."
"We mean you no harm."
"We mean you no harm."

-y on mashed potatoes." Xiax looked at the guy... Ilyana would be totally creeped out too right? Sure she would, this guy was weirder than hand outs from an expensive restaurant. Willing to take a risk, he asked, "So, if you're not gonna eat me, what do you want?"

"We wish to make a compact. If We are able to link our spirits to your physical body, We will hold more sway in your world to do wonders. The flash of light that has struck you is Ours, and with it, We end a hurricane to save lives. We would repay your assistance."
"We wish to make a compact. If We are able to link our spirits to your physical body, We will hold more sway in your world to do wonders. The flash of light that has struck you is Ours, and with it, We end a hurricane to save lives. We would repay your assistance."
"We wish to make a compact. If We are able to link our spirits to your physical body, We will hold more sway in your world to do wonders. The flash of light that has struck you is Ours, and with it, We end a hurricane to save lives. We would repay your assistance."

"Like for make-up?" Xiax was confused for a second, but luckily the Ninth had kept talking, talk about lucky. Well that was until Xiax heard the rest of it. "No offense, well maybe, I'm not sure really what you are exactly, but this kinda sounds like some kinda shady deal that Demons would trick someone into. No offense remember." Xiax said holding his hands up defensively trying not to be threatening, a knife in one hand and a torch in the other. "Could you maybe explain it a bit better? Please?" Xiax still didn't know what this thing was, though the "We are One" thing was probably a warning sign.

"We are ghosts. Without followers Our powers are useless. Due to the lack of followers, a good man sacrificed himself willingly so that We could end the storm and save hundreds more. With your gift-"
"We are ghosts. Without followers Our powers are useless. Due to the lack of followers, a good man sacrificed himself willingly so that We could end the storm and save hundreds more. With your gift-"
"We are ghosts. Without followers Our powers are useless. Due to the lack of followers, a good man sacrificed himself willingly so that We could end the storm and save hundreds more. With your gift-"

"My GIFT?! It's a curse is what it is!" The degree of vehement loathing in his voice is very clear.

"Through a compact, teaching you to control your gift would be simple. Your gift would prevent deaths. We need your help; We know that you value life as we do."
"Through a compact, teaching you to control your gift would be simple. Your gift would prevent deaths. We need your help; We know that you value life as we do."
"Through a compact, teaching you to control your gift would be simple. Your gift would prevent deaths. We need your help; We know that you value life as we do."

Xiax was struck speechless. His curse was simple to teach?! Bleep i-tee-bleep. "Woah, woah. You know?" Somehow these guy? Things, person, the Ninth, was keeping tabs on him? "So you say you know, like you've been watching me. Like you know what exactly my power is, don't judge me so fast. If you've been watching you'd know that I'm not all rainbows and sunshine Ninth. So how DO you know?"

"We knew of your gift when Our power touched yours and We knew of your goodness when We brought you to the Void. The Void shows us your soul and it is not tainted but bright."
"We knew of your gift when Our power touched yours and We knew of your goodness when We brought you to the Void. The Void shows us your soul and it is not tainted but bright."
"We knew of your gift when Our power touched yours and We knew of your goodness when We brought you to the Void. The Void shows us your soul and it is not tainted but bright."

"Hmmmm." So this Void is kinda like my power Xiax mulled it over. Maybe the information that they garnered from the Void wasn't perfect, at least he hoped so. Xiax didn't even jump to the conclusion that they might still be getting information, or could read his mind. "So what exactly is the fine print for this compact?" Xiax asked, still cautious.

"Through the Compact the Ninth can summon you to the Void at anytime that We wish it. The Void is timeless, so our meetings would not disrupt your life. For example, when you return to your body, it will be as if this never happened. Your body would become our vessel, through which we could channel our power to do great things. As a Host, however, you will lose temporary control over your body as We command it. We know this is asking for much, but with the Compact, you will save thousands of lives. You will protect all those that you come to love. Should We, at any time, use your body in a way that would displease you, you may sever the compact."
Through the Compact the Ninth can summon you to the Void at anytime that We wish it. The Void is timeless, so our meetings would not disrupt your life. For example, when you return to your body, it will be as if this never happened. Your body would become our vessel, through which we could channel our power to do great things. As a Host, however, you will lose temporary control over your body as We command it. We know this is asking for much, but with the Compact, you will save thousands of lives. You will protect all those that you come to love. Should We, at any time, use your body in a way that would displease you, you may sever the compact."
Through the Compact the Ninth can summon you to the Void at anytime that We wish it. The Void is timeless, so our meetings would not disrupt your life. For example, when you return to your body, it will be as if this never happened. Your body would become our vessel, through which we could channel our power to do great things. As a Host, however, you will lose temporary control over your body as We command it. We know this is asking for much, but with the Compact, you will save thousands of lives. You will protect all those that you come to love. Should We, at any time, use your body in a way that would displease you, you may sever the compact.

"That doesn't sound all that bad." Xiax wasn't really comfortable with the thought of losing control of his body, but they had made it clear that he could opt out of the compact if they did something he didn't like. "And the training?"

"The Void is timeless. Your training would be timeless. Let us show you."
"The Void is timeless. Your training would be timeless. Let us show you." The Ninth extended it's hand towards Xiax.
"The Void is timeless. Your training would be timeless. Let us show you."

Xiax looks at the Ninth's hand in a mix of suspicion and panic. "Couple questions first." he says perhaps a bit too hastily. "You said you where watching me. Well you said you got to know me from the Void, do you know Ilyana?" The Ninth admits that it does. "She's promised to help me learn to control my power as well, what are my chances with her?"

"She is capable of training you. She will be prevented from doing this."
"She is capable of training you. She will be prevented from doing this."
"She is capable of training you. She will be prevented from doing this."

"W-What?"

"Future circumstances will put an end to your training."
"Future circumstances will put an end to your training."
"Future circumstances will put an end to your training."

Well talk about boding ill. "So my only option is to train under you then?"

"No. There are others."
"No. There are others."
"No. There are others."

So he could still opt out and find these others. "Just one more question then. What are my chances that I'll survive my training, with or without your help?"

"Too many variables."
"Too many variables."
"Too many variables."

"Does that mean, that I could die from the training?"

"Not with us."
"Not with us."
"Not with us."

Damn. That was one hell of a selling point. How do I explain this to Ilyana. She's been so kind to me, I'll have to explain it. "I'll make the Compact, I mean I agree to the terms." Xiax said as he put the knife away. Steadying his resolve he held out his hand and shook.

------------------------------------------

[Attn: Ryla, Infinity Edge, Open]
[Location: Infinity Edge Guild Hall; Ventya State - UMS; 4:20pm]

As people got up from being knocked over from the wave of light, it became apparent that Xiax appeared to be going into to some kind of convulsive fit on the ground in front of the open guild entrance. His eyes where still glowing, but before long they stopped. His fits stopped as suddenly as they began, his eyes looking around. "That's enough for now." he groaned, feeling immense mental fatigue. He shakily got to his feet, and dusted off his pants. When he straightened he looked back outside. The storm had stopped, but his eyes looked far beyond what he could see.
It was as if he could see the source of the magic. He had a fleeting fancy that it was a younger woman with blonde hair and ponytails. Xiax shook his head, maybe he'd trained too hard with the Ninth a moment ago, or was it more like a dozen moments? He looked off into the distance again, just not picking up that book of information sitting in the back of his mind. It was almost like when he learned things from using Infuse, but it was also distinctly different.
I've got to get some water and go see Ilyana. Xiax turned back into the hall and went to the bar to get water. Once he got that he'd go see her. For now though, he took his hand off the imaginary book in his fake mental library. The book was about the one of the Ninth's other Vessels, and the title on the spine was the name "Ryla."

[ATTN: , Chi]
--UMS Territory; Council Hall, Council State; 2:50PM--

Nel smiles at Thanis and thanks him for his concern before excusing herself to go tend to her bathing and nap time. It took her about thirty minutes to get in her bed and she passed out like a brick in moments.

Time passed as she slept until the storm stopped suddenly, sending a pulse through her body. Nel awoke frantically looking in all directions to find the source of what she had felt, in vain. Her body felt as if it had been shocked. Coincidently the storm had also stopped.

She dressed quickly before grabbing all her belongings and jolting out of the room. She wanted to see if any one else had the same sensation she had just felt.