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: Darius, Lockett, Seere]
--Alleyway in Gates Town; UMS Border Territory--

Fuyu looked out at the alleyway again. The only reason they knew where the door was was because they'd seen people come out of it; any other doors were likely to be hidden just as well. However, it didn't seem like there would be any other way to do this. He frowned as he thought it over. He could always make his own entrance, but they were supposed to keep destruction down to a minimum and that would attract too much attention.

Suddenly, it dawned on him. "What are we doing, sneaking around like a bunch of criminals? We're Guild members, we shouldn't fear lowly thieves," Fuyu said. "We have the authority around here. All we have to do is go up to their door, tell them we've heard rumours, and ask to see what they're doing. They'll be fools to stop us since they'll know we have magic."

[Attn: Ryla, Bentas]
-Shazeer Ruins; Northern UMS Territory –

Before Sheridan could reply to Ryla, he heard a noise coming from the entrance. Sheridan turned his attention to see that the door was closing. “Well…that’s not very promising.” He said as he pointed toward their now closed exit. He was no sooner going to go inspect the door when he noticed that something was occurring in the center of the room.

He looked over at Bentas who had remained quiet. “Did you touch something to activate all of this?” He and Ryla had been investigating the mummy so it hadn’t been them. Sheridan quickly cleaned his glasses as he began to walk to the pedestal that had arisen.

Sheridan began to examine the pedestal, lightly brushing the indentations with his fingers to get the feel of how deep and large they were. “Curious. I wonder what was supposed to go here originally.” He looked over to Ryla who was already inspecting the pedestal as well.

[ATTN: Darius, Fuyu, Seere]
--Alleyway in Gates Town; UMS Border Territory--

Lockett listened to what both Seere and Fuyu were proposing. "Both of those options work with me," he replied with a small shrug. "Either way, they aren't going to be too happy to see us and the end result will probably be the same." He had a feeling it would come to blows. "It might be more to our advantage to approach them directly, since we at least know what's going on up at that entrance."

Darius listens some more as the two continue, their conversation now shifting to less stealthy methods as more information is revealed from Fuyu's keen hearing ability. He nods his head with understanding as Fuyu makes his plan, knowing that it will be more risky, but also knowing that battle is not always unavoidable.

"Okay, we can do that." Darius says, "I will be in the back and should any of you need my assistance or have orders once we approach or during the process, feel free to issue them. As far as this group is concerned, I am but a lackey."

With that, Darius steps away from the boxes, standing out in front of the building and doing a few stretches in the open walkway where the busy citizens were moving about and giving him less odd looks now that he is able to stand up straight. His legs are relieved.

After a few minutes of walking just a bit near a few of the baker's advertisements and doing a few stretches for his legs, back, and arms, he clears his throat and relaxes, waiting for someone to lead the way. Something tells him that this is going to get interesting.


As the small, circular crevices can be observed on the pedestal's top, one's eyes might stray to see that they align perfectly with small symbols that are also carved within the pedestal's sides. There are multiple ones for each side, all of which seem to copy the symbols that are upon the pillars, marking the Shazeer deities.

The symbols on the pedestal, however, do not match up with those that are on the pillars around the center of the room. Only the brazers show any sign of life at this time--an eerie silence has now fallen upon the room, and on the other side of the solidly closed door, Bentas lies dead with a particular, ancient key shoved down his throat violently. The blood upon the ground slowly seems to soak into the ground, as if the dirt is feeding off of his life blood as he fades away from the world of living.

Left as but a lost soul, the ghost of Bentas moves through the door of the ruins, entering to watch his two Guild-mates as they examine the room in which they are now trapped. He looks sadly upon them, hoping that they will be able to find a way out and also hoping that, should they manage to do so, they will not share his fate in death and the eternal haunting of a lost civilization.


Lady Crye gives over a paper with the details of the party's location, time, and preparation time where rehearsals can be done before the guests arrive. It also shows a list of foods and a few prominent guests that will be there, though most of that information is vague.

She says goodbye to the dance with a polite nod and an elegant curtsy before making her own leave from the busy streets and towards the richer part of the town. Soon, the dancer's privacy is returned. The heat is now rising and as the woman is seen in the distance, her fan waves more eagerly at her face and throat, clearly bothered by the sun's more persistent warmth for the day.


Within the meeting hall, Sache Balfonte and Xaroff van Morte sit patiently as they await for Nadia to arrive. The two are currently sitting across from each other at one of the far tables from the entrance, arms interlocked into an arm-wrestling game. The two are leaned forward with demanding eyes that are intensely met with a fire and a grin to follow.

"Give it up." Xaroff says confidently, "You cannot handle this."

His voice is thick and deep, so deep that one could almost swear that they hear the rumbling of Braeguard, itself, when the mountains quake. Of course, the voice is never a surprise to hear, if they have already seen the man's appearance. Xaroff is 6'5 with a massive build, both muscular and lean with very dark skin and even darker tattoos on his torso and cleanly shaved head. Due to always wearing black clothing, his eyes are the only color that one can see from him on a general basis--brilliantly green.

The much smaller Sache doesn't budge versus the small giant, his own darker, green gaze remaining steady with a silent promise to never falter. Sache is much more pale and cream colored in his skin tone, often seen wearing simple clothing with smaller, leather armor. Though the man is well known throughout the Guild for his impeccable manners and respect, none have ever heard his voice. Sache has never spoken, as far as anyone has known.

He is about to say something when he notices Nadia coming into the room, and then he points and the game is ended with an expression of disappointment from Xaroff. However, Xaroff smirks after the initial disappointment fades away and shakes his head.

"Ah, Ms. Pardeva." Xaroff greets with a polite bow, as that is expected of him from his guild. His build and his level of grace seem almost to clash, but the man's rather nice clothing does assist with the more gentlemanly posture and gestures. "A pleasure."

Sache also follows with a bow, his head bent with respect, though he says his usual silence in following. His eyes rise up to meet those of Nadia's and to wait patiently for her orders. The two are known to work together very well, luckily, and somehow, Xaroff is rather talented at knowing just what Sache wants to say, sometimes, whenever the man wants to speak. As such, Xaroff is widely known not only for his size, but for his odd ability to occasionally speak for his mute comrade.



Ilyana listens and observes Xiax as he stumbles with his words, clearly delirious and exhausted from this ordeal. He seems to think she would charge him for first aid, but she she sees the blood, concern takes over and she bends down to check the man's wound.

As she touches him, she feels something like a rush of wind or water--adrenaline like in physicality--moving into her body. Her eyes widen in surprise as his seemed to glow for just a moment with a brilliant white. His head slumps forward and he begins to mumble in a monotone, disconnected voice. Ilyana feels stronger, both physically and magically and the feeling seems almost like a drug-related high.

"Are you--" Ilyana starts, but she tries to listen. The words that she hears makes her even more surprised as the man continues to list her abilities and weaknesses, both giving its true name and moving on to what she can do with it. She quickly pulls away, releasing contact with a gasp. The feeling of being high does not fade, but it also stops increasing as he continues to mumble at the ground.

The man finally passes out and Ilyana moves to perform first aid. After barking a few orders, she quickly has the man moved to a cot where they can carry him after she bandages his knife wound. She watches carefully as others touch him, seeing if there are any other similar reactions. None happen, though it is entirely possible that the man is magical and his ability can only operate when he is conscious.

As the members of the Guild move to carry Xiax away, she calls them to halt. She shakes her head, pointing in a direction other than where they were about to take him. "I want him in the Guild Hall. Take him to the infirmary there. I also want no one to touch him after he is properly treated. In fact, he will be left alone until I return."

She gets some odd looks, but her stern gaze and stubborn stance ensures that none will protest or ask any questions. The guild members bustle about, taking care of the fire and all those that were injured and then carrying Xiax off to the guild hall of Infinity Edge.

Kaimele

{ATTN: Open}
--The Taverness Reaches Club; Terrenia City--

Clementina thanks Lady Cyre returns the goodbye. She walks back to the bar reading the papers given to her. She didn't realize the immensity of this celebration until she read it. It could be good for business. She gets to the bar and goes into the back entrance. The owner is one of few who knows that Clementina is Kaimele. She changes out of her dancing outfit into her regular clothes. Soon she is out on the streets but this time as Kaimele. Her black hair is long. She goes to the marketplace to grab a bite to eat. She will have to help her grandmother out and tell her of the opportunity. Maybe she can help with the outfit.




Jacobi

{ATTN: Open}
--Valoria Guild Hall; Chanda Lake--

After working out his frustration in the training room, Jacobi leave the guild hall. He takes a run down to the lake. Damn Mia for leaving him in charge like this. He is more of a doer and not a butt kisser. He cannot wait until she gets back. Until then he has to at least pretend he can do a good job.

[Attn: Ilyana, Open]
[Location: --Ventya State; United Merchant States--]

The woman's face takes on a funny expression, and it takes a second for him to register it's concern. Confused he looks at his hand, Oh, right, blood. he thinks as she goes to check his wound.

That's when she touches him, and he feels the tugging, the pull from inside him. Xiax stares at her, his eyes aglow as the tugging strengthens. "Ilyana Tsundre." says the voice that sounds like his, except that it also feels/sounds like it is coming from a long distance away. "Celestial Demonslayer and Holy Blade fortifier. Resistant to Demonic influences/magic/corruption." Xiax might have continued on for some length after that.

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

Xiax started awake! "Uhhhhhhhhh" he immediately groaned from the rising pain from nearly his entire body....it most certainly wasn't from age. Someone stood and mumbled something as they left the room leaving him alone and confused. The entire place looked much different than he remembered going to sleep in, these weren't ones he knew and most definently didn't smell of.... WAIT!
*sniff sniff*
He looked down at himself, and he recognized a smell or rather the lack of it. "I'm clean..." This came out not really as surprise but more concern. "Where are my clothes?" It was really creepy. Here he was in a unfamiliar place, without any of his clothes and in an actual bed. "So what do I do now?" he grumbled to himself as he rubbed his bushy beard. "Can't exactly leave like this. Huurrrnnnnmmm." There was still a slight smell of smoke he caught coming from there. "I remember now. The boy, that's it. Pretty sure he's ok, kinda fuz-zy."
The hand left the beard and held his forehead as he groaned, and recognized the foggy feeling that often happened with memories around his magic use. "Great. Just, old pond-slider great." So then he tried to force the memories to clear up, "Some kinda magic user, armor, nah it feels wrong. Light, also wrong. Uggghhh." It was hard to pin it down, it kinda had this Angel of Might feel, but the details weren't actual and his impressions kept messing up he was trying to remember. It was infuriating, really it was.

As he's trying to put the details together there is a knock at the door, then silence. Where they waiting? In their own house? Or was this a hospital.... no it must be a hotel or something. Maybe the mother had taken him to her house after they treated him. Another knock followed the pause. Xiax looked around, then tossed off the coverlet and got to his feet. At least the clothes where nice, but they weren't his. They also didn't scratch as much as his, or smell as much either. "Well I seem to be dressed at least. Everything's baggy, so guess I can let them in." They must have been talking outside the door, or something. Raising his voice he sounded the all clear,"Come in, I'm decent." Ironic how odd that was, he hadn't used that since he was a ruddy teenager.

[ATTN: Seere, Lockett, Darius]
--Alleyway in Gates Town; UMS Border Territory--

Fuyu nodded at the others, then stood up along with Darius. He shook out his stiff legs and cracked his knuckles. He figured it would be better to be upfront with them; maybe they would be intimidated by members of the local Guild showing up at their door. He knew he had to keep the thieves' leader in mind, even if he was the only magic user in this group his magic could still be dangerous.

"Understood," Fuyu replied to Darius. The Guild Trustee was only there to observe, after all. Fuyu waited for the others to stretch out, then, when they were all ready to go, he went into the alley. He approached the area where he remembered the thieves entering and exiting and knocked. He drew himself up in an attempt to look imposing to whoever answered.

As Fuyu steps forward towards the "wall," Darius follows suit patiently and quietly, ready for whatever may result. It is quite odd to see the man knocking on a brick wall, even knowing that it isn't really a wall. He wonders what sort of person could make that kind of illusion magic...

A man comes out, this one looking quite scrawny and weird, as well as slightly filthy, as if he has not bathed in some time. Darius suddenly decides that he is glad not to be the one in front, in case the man does smell terrible. Though, what he does not know is that although the man smells terrible, the hidden building behind him smells delicious with scents of food freshly cooked.

"Who the hell are you?" The man asks, looking each of them over with narrowing, suspicious eyes. "We aren't recruiting."


As Mia steps up towards the large bridge that leads up towards the Guild Hall, she sighs, halting her swift pace to allow for the young man at her back to finally catch up. It is quite a hill to climb just to reach this area, and those that weren't really physically fit had quite an arduous trip just to visit. Mia likes it that way.

She also specially ordered that the bridge be made quite narrowly, and the lake's murky waters weren't too far from the bridge's lowest base when walked upon by heavy-set loads of people. Of course, there's a secret bridge in the back that opens up for deliveries, but most outside of the Guild are unaware that it exists.

Jacobi is at the lake's edge, and she raises an eyebrow. Though she did not expect to see him cooped up in her office, she did not quite expect him out here. Either way, he will probably be pleased to see that the meeting has ended.

"Dude!" Mia says, raising a hand in greeting. "Give Tex here a hand, will ya? The little runt can't even keep up with me!"

She gestures back at the young man that his breathing heavily as he pushes himself on to follow Mia, but can also be seen carrying a heavy-looking chest...Mia, apparently, is only carrying a much lighter weight on her back.


As Xiax gives the permission for her to enter, Ilyana steps into the room patiently, carrying with her a small tray of freshly cooked food. The meat upon the plate is still sizzling and it does not take long for it and its side dishes scents to waft into the room with her.

"Hello, Sir." Ilyana greets. "I'm Ilyana, of Infinity Edge. We have cared for your clothing and it will be repaired and returned to you in due time. Have something to eat."

Ilyana sets the food on the table for him to take, as well as a glass of water, before sitting herself down on the opposite side of the room to provide the man some space from her. He seems quite edgy and she does not wish to make him nervous.

"I have taken note that you are Guildless and non-registered, though you have proven to have a magical ability." Ilyana says after a pause, "I apologize for activating your ability earlier...I did not realize you were magical."

[Attn: Ilyana, Open]
[Location: --Infinity Edge Guild Hall; Guest Room; United Merchants States--]

The door opens, and! "You! You touched me!" Xiax says leveling a finger and pointing. Then the dizziness returns and he puts a hand to his head. People outside probably jumping to conclusions, perverts and all that jazz.

"Hello, Sir." She says probably ignoring his sudden outburst, Xiax didn't see a vein pop up on her head from the annoyance but he was busy. "I'm Ilyana, of Infinity Edge. We have cared for your clothing and it will be repaired and returned to you in due time. Have something to eat."

Sliding his hand down he peeks towards her with one eye through the loose pillars of his fingers. Well she was somewhere near his age, and he his memory was filling in slightly. "Infinity Edge." He mumbles trying to bring up what he knows about the Guild.

She maintains a distance from him as she takes a seat across the room. "I have taken note that you are Guildless and non-registered, though you have proven to have a magical ability." Ilyana, yes that was her name, says after a pause, "I apologize for activating your ability earlier...I did not realize you were magical."

Lot of that going around. he cuts his chuckle short at the irony. The food does look good, but he looks at her. "Illia Soon-der, no that isn't right. It's Ilyana, Ilyana Tsundre (Sunder)." The name clicks in his head. "Little bit better, there." He says talking to himself as the little things start fitting back together. "I'm Xiax Vemiborpela, or just Xiax. Xi rhymes with Sai and Ax (Ox) like the animal but with an A not an O." Xiax explains.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Xiax." She returns the greeting as she now has his name, and probably already had it if she did a check on him. "Rest assured that, while you are here, you will be sheltered and well fed. And I have informed my guild members that no one is supposed to touch you without your express permission."

Well that was reassuring. "Not to be too rude but won't the Guild-master get upset with you ordering around you guild-mates? Not that I don't appreciate it, cause I truly do, really I do. But I don't want you getting in trouble."

Ilyana smiles. "Well," she says with chuckle, "Should I decide to punish myself, I shall keep it lenient, as it is for a good cause."

"Really now? You're much to young really. Fool me twice shame on me." Xiax says still not believing her, not like he knows who all the Guild Masters are by sight or even name.

"Well, you'll see soon enough as soon as you go out into the guild hall for a meal or two." She says letting herself have a bit of fun at his expense, "In the meantime, I was hoping you would be willing to allow me to assist you in the UMS registration process."

Xiax stumbles like a person kicked by a horse, catching himself on the little table and spilling a bit of water from the cup onto the plate. "Registration?" he lets out in a squeeky voice. "I couldn't, I mean that's kind of you, but I really couldn't ask you to do that." He didn't want to really bring up that he'd feel horrible if he made her pay for that. "Off Topic, did you get my things? It's a sort of big wicker Basket." He says shaping it out with his hands and moving the conversation hopefully to something else. "You can put it on, kinda like a backpack. It had all my things in it."

"Unfortunently Xiax, being unregistered is technically illegal." she reminded him.
Ohhh damn.
"And although being registered can come with the pressure of guild invitations, I am an upholder of the law. It really is no trouble, I've done it a hundred times."

Xiax had just about been ready to maybe sit down and try some of this really delicious looking food, but now he probably couldn't enjoy it like it deserved. Right now he contemplated how to escape, and it didn't look good. She had said they where in the Infinity Edge guild hall. "I'll guess I'll think about it then." he responds giving in slightly, kinda feeling cornered. He made himself sit down at the little table anyway and start on the food, he just didn't know when he'd get another chance like this anyway.

"Xiax, I will not force you to register. But I am required to give your name to the council as a magic user." Even though it kinda felt that way for sure to him. "My purpose is not to make you uncomfortable. I would also like you to know, that whether or not you choose to register or join a guild of any kind, you will always be welcome here."

Sounds like a sales pitch to me. He thinks as he started to eat, it wasn't bad really. Kinda cooled down a bit, but he couldn't complain, not with the kind of stuff he ate sometimes.

"My Guild's purpose is to reduce crime and save lives." Iylana explained in a pretty easy to understand kinda way, stern and to the point.

"I'm pretty piss poor at both, frankly."

"Of enforcing the law I have no doubt, but I did see you save a life today. However, that was not my point. My point was like...I wanted to save yours."

"But I didn't even do that well, I almost got us both killed. I didn't even know he was alive, till you guys fixed him up. Thanks by the way." He said not wanting to sound like an ass, he really was grateful for that. "I'm not like you Edgies, I'm a coward. Well maybe normal, but still - You get my point."

"Coward or not, you still saved a life. My guild members would not have gotten there in time, thank you." Iylana pulls out a silver key, tossing it over on the bed next to him. "That will get you in the main door, and give you access to this particular guest room."

"I think I've ruined my perfect romantic dinner daydream."

"Can't we go back to me not making lot's of excuses about myself?" Xiax sighs sadly, "I don't really think that way about myself, I just, yeah..." She doesn't really seem to know what to say, Xiax doubt's she's ever had it come up like that before. "It must be nice Iylana, magic like yours. The whole Holy demon killer thing, but mine? It's.... useless. What good is it? Can't fight with it, can't save others, can't control anything, unless I want to try and pass out or make some old bottle glow for a bit. Ohh I can sometimes remember a few things about this or that, like your Holy Demon Slayer magic, if I don't forget, get sick, or pass out from it. Haven't met any mages that their magic isn't useful, mine I just try not to let mine get me killed." Somehow he doubted she ever got woken up by another hobo trying to shank in her sleep, just to take her coat and shoes. "I got lucky this time, the last time I even tried to approach a guild I forgot who I was for a week, woke up so hungry I had to strangle a dog then got sick because I forgot to cook it. "

Ohhh great here I am, telling her my story, pity me, just great. Now all he had to do was not break down and cry... hadn't ye- fudge! Couldn't even manage that.

Ilyana twitches as she wants to go give him a hug, but she knows she can't. "We all start at the bottom." She says thinking, "Where we are unable to control the abilities we are born with."

"Ohh I know that." He let out one of those exasperated laughs. "At least I don't do it to normal people anymore. Worked hard to even get that far, but I so much as bump into another mage and out it goes. Oh and in it goes too, but not to me, to them."

"I understand your uncertainty, and lack of confidence. But what if I could tell you, that in a matter of weeks, you wouldn't have to be afraid anymore? That you could feel some level of comfort and understanding of this gift? --And don't get me wrong, I'm not asking you to join my guild. What I am asking, is for you to allow my guild to improve your life situation for a time."

She smiles in a friendly way as he hesitates or seems to, really he'd just trying to get those dang walls back up so he can get back to some level of control. Damn magic making messing up all his insides.

"At the end of the day, what I am offering you is a room to stay in, a bed to sleep in, three meals a day, and free training. All without any obligation to remain in my guild hall or join as a member."

IT sounded really, really good, but it just made it harder to accept. She was being super nice, but the offer was almost too good. "A few weeks..." it might be enough time to get himself back together, maybe get some things he'd need when they threw him out. "couldn't hu-" he'd been about to say hurt, but it could, it very much could. "Can't know if I don't try, worst case I crash and burn."

"First thing in the morning, I'll think I'll go thank the Guild-Master."

[ATTN: Seere, Lockett, Fuyu]
--Alleyway in Gates Town; UMS Border Territory--

Seere finally stood gratefully, shaking out his legs and bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet a few times. A good brawl, now that was something he could go for.

He followed behind Fuyu as the man was first to approach, letting him take point. Fuyu could handle the talking part, he was more official-looking anyway, and Seere was fine sitting back and waiting for things to hit the fan.

He crossed his arms behind Fuyu as the man knocked, and raised one eyebrow cheekily at the man who opened the door, letting the others do their talking.

[ATTN: Xaroff, Sache]
-Quinsenterra Guild Hall, Gir'ratown--

Nadia gave a delicate curtsy of her own in response. "Gentlemen," she said. "Please, have a seat."

She would wait for them to sit before pulling out a chair and joining them, crossing her legs. "I have been given charge of an especially urgent, and possibly dangerous, quest. I have summoned you here because I am afraid I cannot do this on my own. Are the two of you available to assist me?"

Kaimele

{ATTN: Open}
--Family home; Terrenia City--

After a good late lunch Kaimele returns home. She runs to the house and finds Olivia her grandmother in the kitchen. “I got something to show you. It's an invite to dance at a celebration for Lady Cyre.”

“The Cyre's? Their celebrations are highly talked about. What is the theme this year?” Olivia asks with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. “I am so happy for you, and you deserve this.”

“The theme is a masquerade ball the colors are metallic gothic. I am going to find a new outfit. I am so excited.” Kaimele tells her.

“I need to do some digging, but I may be able to help you with that.” Olivia tells her. “For now, we need to get some chores done.”




Jacobi

{ATTN: Open}
--Valoria Guild Hall; Chanda Lake--

Jacobi is happily surprised to hear Mia's voice. He waves back then walks over. “I needed a break. I had a visit from the council person. I didn't have to say a word and the poor guy was ready to piss his pants. He may be back to get the details from you. I doubt even if I told him anything if he would have remembered it.”

He punches Tex in the shoulder 'lightly'. He takes the chest from the lad.“Looks like we get to work on making you stronger, runt.” He walks next to Mia. "How did the meeting go this time?"

[ATTN: Open]
--Quinsenterra Guild Hall; Gir'ratown--

The two gentleman take a seat, listening as Nadia gets right to the point. Sache looks mildly surprised, though of course, he says nothing. Xaroff nods his head in confirmation.

"Well, well, Ms. Pardeva in charge." Xaroff says with a grin. "Yeah, we'll get it done. Just tell us what you need."

Nadia took a breath and momentarily paused, uncertain how to take his words. Dont worry about it, just get to the point. "Good. Thank you. There's a town 300 miles north of here that has asked for our aid. They've reported numerous people in the region disappearing or dying, largely women, and buildings in the town slowly falling to pieces. The affect on the buildings appears to be magical in nature. They've asked us to investigate." What anxiety she had speaking to them was well and carefully covered behind a passive, professional wall.

"That sounds bad." Xaroff says, shaking his head. "I don't like it. Alright, we can get our stuff ready and we'll head out whenever you're ready. I'm sure we can get some details on the way there."

Nadia nodded. "I will be ready in..." she glanced at the clock on the wall of the Guild Hall. "Fifteen minutes, tops. It shouldn't take long. I'll meet the both of you here and we'll move out?"

"You got it, ma'am." Xaroff says, nodding and standing up to move quickly. "Thanks for pickin' us."

"I wouldn't have wanted anyone else," she said, also moving to stand. Not that there were many to choose from.

The two gentleman make their bows once more, Sache moving to shake Nadia's hand as Xaroff rushes him afterwards to make an exit. Xaroff immediately starts to talk to Sache as they move to leave, going on about the stuff they will need and the implications of mostly women going missing.

Nadia returned to her room quickly, finding a tan shoulder bag she could carry equipment in. She traveled light no matter what, so even in the unlikely event Quinsenterra folk weren't traveling in style, she'd be fine. A change of clothes and that book Ruoh gave her, mostly, with a few other essentials. She almost didn't bring the book, but he gave it to her for a reason after all, and she wasn't entirely sure what that reason was yet.

She paused before rushing out the door again. She knew Xaroff and Sache well enough, gentlemen the both of them, but... she couldn't stand traveling with men.

She grabbed several long, brass hairpins and shoved them through her bun. Sharp enough they might as well be a weapon. They'd been used as such before.

She returned to the guild hall with a few minutes to spare to wait for her companions.

Sache arrives in the Guild Hall first, wearing only his usual, simple clothes and large pack on his back. He has only one frying pan hanging from the belt at his side, and he smiles at Nadia as he arrives politely as he, too, waits for Xaroff to arrive.

Of course, it is another ten minutes of awkward silence until a small girl at around the age of sixteen prances into the room, a flute at her lips and mixing her playing with a bit of leg work and ballet. As she performs, Sache smiles widely, nodding his head with approval at the sounds. The girl has a small frame, probably tinier than most girls her age, and she is wearing a small, white gown with simple shorts underneath.

Her feet are bare, seeming to not notice the cold, hard and wooden floor beneath them. Her pink hair is put up in piggy tails, kept from her face unless she twirls too much between phrases of the flute song.

When she stops playing, Sache claps as Xaroff enters the room with what appears to be a pack on his left shoulder and a small, cat-like looking animal on his right. He's wearing all black, as usual, and he follows in suite with the clapping sounds to applaud the young girl known as Attica.

Nadia clapped as well as the girl finished, looking over at her companions. "We may travel however you wish," she said softly as not to bother darling Attica. "It won't be hard to find a carriage should you want one."

Xaroff nods. "Yeah, I'm sure we can go by train and get there in a couple of hours, though it'll be getting dark."

Attica stops playing and dancing, stepping forward with big steps and rising her knees up very high towards her chest with each movement to dramatize her movements. She giggles a little as she listens in on what Xaroff is saying.

"Where ya goin'?" Attica says, lifting up a little finger to twirl within her pink hair. "Can I go?"

Xaroff laughs a little, rubbing the top of her head. "Girl, we are goin' to handle some real meanie heads. You don't wanna deal with that."

"I can handle meanie heads!" Attica says defiantly, raising up her other hand in the air above her head as it holds her flute, as if it were a dangerous weapon. "Let me at 'em!"

Nadia smiled for only a moment, her smile quickly fading. She leaned over and put both hands on her shoulders. "I know you can, sweetie," she said, "but these are the real bad kind of meanie heads. And then if something bad happened to you, it'd make Xaroff cry."

Too young. She was way too young and too tempting a target for the kind of men who kidnapped women.

Attica giggles some more, petting the little cat-like creature that sits on Xaroff's arm. She seems to find the thought of Xaroff crying an odd image in her mind, but she doesn't say anything as Xaroff adds to Nadia's protest.

"Girl, you got to train more." He shakes his head. "You can't go out and deal with the real dirt bags until you can take one of us on in a fight."

"Whaaaaat?" Attica says, now sounding a little whiney, "I could take you all on! With my bare feet!"

Nadia laughed, but it sounded... forced. "Words are words, sweetie," she said. She stepped back and crossed her arms. "Tell you what. You beat up Xaroff for me and maaaaaaybe you can come with. Maybe." Definitely not.

The little girl pouts as Xaroff sends her on her way, double checking his stuff before smiling at Nadia with a confidence. "Let's head out. I bet I can get us some good last-minute tickets on the train."

[Attn: Open]
--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall; United Merchant States--

As the remaining smolders cooled off, Char watched his personnel pack up the supplies. Once everything was ready, Char rode off with the crew. He left the guild members to themselves; they knew where to put everything back. God damn... Char brooded as he walked back to his own office desk. He fell into his seat, ready to let the day end already. Stop worrying...You couldn't have saved them even if you tried. You stopped the fire, and you saved the rest of the community. That should be enough.

After spending several minutes clearing his mind with paperwork, Char walked about the guild hall, eyeing the other members as they took care of their own business. A target range would be nice...I haven't practiced my shot today. Maybe when I get home...

[Attn: Ryla, Bentas, Open]
-Shazeer Ruins; Northern UMS Territory –

Sheridan quickly scanned the place, no way out. The pedestal must play a part. His eyes moved from the circular crevices on the pedestal to the small symbols that decorated the sides. They all indicated various deities, some more familiar than others. He noted that they weren’t aligned with the pillars, which meant maybe they needed to be aligned.

As he was about to adjust the pedestal, he heard Ryla’s voice talking about Bentas. Now that he thought about it, he never did get a reply from the man. He wondered if something happened to him. They hadn't heard anything abnormal but it was odd to be sure. He needed answers about this place. Having a way to get out of the room was needed too. While lost civilizations were a playground to him, he didn’t want to be dead in one.

He began to rotate the pedestal, it moved ever so slightly. “Well this won’t be tedious at all.” Sheridan repositioned himself and slowly turned the pedestal so that the deities were aligned with the deities on the pillars. He didn’t know what would happen but part of him needed to find out. He needed to know what it all meant.

As the pedestal turned to reach perfect alignment with the pillars, a bright light began to illuminate the center. All Sheridan could see was white. White began to turn to black and his body collapsed to the ground. Nothing. There was nothing now.

[ATTN: Darius, Seere, Lockett]
--Alleyway in Gates Town; UMS Border Territory--

The man who answered Fuyu's knocking was different than the one they had previously seen. The first and main thing that he noticed about him was his stench. Fuyu wrinkled his nose reflexively and fought the urge to cover it and his mouth with his hand. It was so distracting that he forgot what he was going to say, however he did turn his head to make the Guild tattoo on his neck more visible.

As he turned his head he caught the smell of something else. It was a pleasant smell, the smell of delicious food cooking. He hadn't realised that he was hungry until now but that food sure smelled good. He focused on that smell instead of the smell of the man and finally found his words.

"We're here from the Walsh guild. I'm sure you've heard of it. Some rumours about your operation here have reached us and we'd like to take a look," Fuyu said, staring the man right in the eyes.

The man looks for a few minutes, staring at the group and looking each over carefully. He asks to see each of their Guild tattoos for verification, and when this is done, he asks them to wait at the door, albeit in a partially rude tone. The man seems to have no knowledge of well-mannered behavior. Another man is told to stand at his place, this one a very brawn and tan skinned looking fellow and much cleaner than the man they had greeted before. This one stares at them blankly the entire time as they wait probably around ten minutes before the smelly guardsman returns.

"The boss says," He tells them, "'shove off and leave. Council got business with us, the council can talk to us. We got no business with other toady Guilds.' I suggest you do as the boss says."


Rodimus Penn enters the Guild Hall, a few familiar faces looking up at him with words and expressions of kind welcome. He has his usual pack with traveling equipment, looking somewhat worn out with tattered clothing and various cuts and bruises, along with bandaged appendages and what looks like an odd looking chest that is about one foot wide and made of some kind of metal and lacking seams.

Giving his usual greetings and reaching for a beverage from behind the bar, he shrugs off the inquiries about his well being with the brief, vague explanation of being attacked by brigands on the road, mumbling about how incompetent bandits can be these days, lacking their challenge in all respects as he heads to his office with light steps.

"Get me Char." Rodimus says gruffly as he almost reaches his office, "And stay out. Nobody but Char comes in."

"Do you need me to send a doctor?" One member asks.

"I've already been seen to." Rodimus barks quickly, "Anyone but char enters my office, there will be price."

With that, he enters the room and slams the door shut. He's clearly not in a good mood, but even whenever he has been in foul mood, he is not usually so...angry. Many of the members take note of this change with silent, grim expressions towards each other as someone moves to find Char and bring him before the man.


Tex sighs with relief when the bulky load is taken from his lanky arms, but looks somewhat nervous with the statement that comes from the big man about making him stronger. He silently wonders if he'd survive the "getting stronger" part. He doesn't say anything, just continues to walk behind Mia and Jacobi as Jacobi asks how the meeting went. She turns her head over her shoulder after the question, looking at Tex from the corner of her eye.

"Move it, runt. Get in there and get some booze." Mia says, indicating for Tex to move on forward ahead of them. As he is used to be left out on most things within Valoria business, he isn't surprised and does as he is told. Besides, they are probably gonna do something frisky and he does not want to see that side of either of them.

Mia slows her pace, her eyes darting about her just a tad as they make their way across the bride over Chanda Lake. It is beautiful in the sunset, but she does not have the time or focus to really appreciate that at this time. The bridge is narrow, so she moves carefully to make sure that the bulk of the chest does not cause Jacobi too much difficulty with the given space that he has for movement. She looks at him, shaking her head.

"The meeting was shit." Mia says, looking stressed, "And for you, things are about to get shittier. I got you a Quest--off the books and straight from the UMS Council. Like the good ol' days."

The sarcasm drips from her lips as she rolls her eyes, still alert of her surroundings as she makes her way closer to the Guild Hall. She seems more tense than usual, and her body gestures demonstrate that she is tired. Overall, she isn't too roughed up, but it is clear that it is more than just the journey that is tying her down.

"I'll tell ya more when we get inside, Jacobi." Mia says darkly, "But dude, you've got a hell of trek ahead of you. Whatever business you got here, get it done first and get it done fast."


Miriam rushes into the main hall where various table are set up at the building's entrance. The "main hall" that has various tables for eating drinking, etc. is pretty much the only room that all Guild Halls have in common. It's easier for when people come in to place their own requests on the Quest Boards, which is always visible up front. In fact, it is the Quest Board that catches Miriam's attention as she rushes into the room.

Or rather, the blood stained, dripping corpse that lay decoratively upon the board, tacked onto it as you would a Quest paper with an overly large nail. Miriam sees the face, her own paling to match the death pallor, gasping air rising up in her chest as her hand moves up to cover her mouth. Her wide eyes freeze upon the familiar form as a single tear wells up into her right eye, ready to caress her cheek.

"We were eating, Miriam--" Szayel says in a panic, "We were eating, everything was normal, but we looked over and he was there--it was like he appeared out of nowhere--"

"Take his body down, now." Miriam says. Where is Shyis?? "Take him to the infirmary....where is Shyis?"

"She's in the Museum." Szayel replies, looking sad, "We are missing three items and she is trying to find out which--"

"Szayel! Does she know?!" Miriam's voice is higher than usual, her eyes looking at him darkly with tear stains beneath them. "...has she seen...?"



Rook enters the Guild Hall the usual way, which for him, means the back way. He doesn't like to just waltz into the front doors and let everyone see him, though today it is for a different reason. He usually doesn't like anyone to see him coming--that way, he can sneak in and check to see how well disciplined the members have maintained towards each other and themselves during his absence. Time has taught him that the results are better with surprise "check ups."

Today, however, he's tired, stressed, and unhappy. Very quiet and without his usual smile, he makes his way into his office, which is nearby, after stopping and sending a messenger for Sylmeria, Nymeria, Harima, and Gren. He also requests a plate of food, some alcohol (copious amounts), and plasters on a smile as he passes the necessary rooms to make his way to his own office.

[Attn: Rook, Sylmeria]
--Blazing Sword Guild Hall; Terrenia City; Sunset--

The sun hung low as Nymeria felt something encroaching on her hand. To her annoyance, her calm afternoon nap in the trees was interrupted by a group of ants. Nymeria's hand flew into the air, shaking violently to disperse of her unwanted guests. A few ants managed to hang on but they were soon plucked off one by one. It was a good thing Nymeria decided to sleep through her hangover; she had demanding and meticulous work ahead of her. "Hey you up there!" The sleepy woman heard. On the ground, there was a man who didn't look very pleased.

"Do you have any idea how long I had to look for ya!? Master Rook wants to see you in his office right now! Hope my bugs didn't bite ya up!"

The man marched off without another word. His arms pumped back and forth as he stepped through the tall grass. Nymeria grumbled as she eyed the man. "Could've just yelled..." She grogged as she raised from her resting position. Climbing down and making her way to the guild building felt like a soft haze. Nymeria just suddenly realized she was inside the guild hall. She then walked to the guild master's office, noticing Sylmeria and Master Rook were already there. Uh oh. Did the lumbering idiot tell him about what happened? By the Maker's hand...

...


[Attn: Rodimus]
--Ferrum Coordinator Guild Hall; United Merchant States; Sunset--

Char was in the middle of checking the guild's medical center and politely questioning any survivors that were willing to speak. Many were either busy recovering or were too traumatized to think back to the event. And out of those that did answer Char's questions, nobody seemed to provide any meaningful witnessing. A guild member came to Char's shoulder, notifying him that Rodimus has returned. Char was to see him immediately.

"Thank you." Char responded before swiftly walking to Rodimus' office. When Char entered the room, he saw a different Rodimus than the one that left a while ago. He looked badly damaged, and he had a depressing aura around him, which was highly unusual. Rodimus almost never let people see his sour mood so openly. Char's mouth was agape as he quickly shut the door. Char knew something was certainly wrong.

"Rodimus, what happened?" He asked in a very concerned voice.

Shyis was quietly minding her business adding a new part to her M.A.D. {Magical Archive Device} when she suddenly heard an explosion coming from the direction of the museum. As quickly as she finished adjusting the new part some one came rushing in asking her to come to the museum as an attack was underway. Quickly rushing off through the back passages to get the museum thus avoiding the "main hall" and the site of her brother's lifeless corpse.

When she got to the guild museum the attack was over and the attacker/s were gone. Initially it wasn't clear that anything was missing as the much larger effect of the attack was more prominent. A huge section of the outside facing wall had been blown up to create a whole in the wall. This had caused the destruction of 3 displays and countless rare artifacts.

It wasn't until Shyis started cataloging the damage and creating an estimate of the total damage in cost, as well as destroyed artifacts that the theft was apparent. She could find no trace of three items that had been found in the remains of a Shazeer Ritual Room ruins, and they were too far from the explosion to have been destroyed. Perplexed she started studying the scene trying to figure out just what had happened.

(ATTN : Sheridan, Bentas(dead))

**This is a collab between me and Leah7!**

-Shazeer Ruins; Northern UMS Territory –

While in the middle of her thoughts, she notice a bright light coming from behind her and was about to turn, but the door suddenly opened and what was behind it made her squeal. ''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek ! Bentas ! Tell me it's just ketchup and not real blood !!! '' She took the body in front of her by the shoulders and started shaking him. The only thing she saw was a burger... maybe he was hungry before dying? ''I command you to wake up ! .... what was the expression again...um.... SHEZAM OPEN !... I have no idea. ''

In the corner of her eyes she saw someone and freaked out going against the nearest wall the hands in the air with blood on them. ''I swear sir I did not kill this man !!!!! Please don't arrest me !!!!'' The man had green hair and eyes, pale skin and black clothing. He seemed very thin and had a tattoo in the neck that Ryla had never seen before.... it looked a bit familiar in a way however. Still she waited to see what he would do since she had no clue who that guy was.... except maybe that he was kind of cute.

"What did you find? " The man asks, ignoring the body on the floor. "What was behind the door?"

''Behind the door ?....'' Ryla tilt her head on the side with almost a drool for a moment before finally realizing what he asked for. ''OOOH... erm... I just shook hands with a mummy, called him Vince the scribble! ... and erm... for the rest I don't know really. A usual magic thingy I guess ? '' She said scratching her head placing blood in her golden blonde hairs. ''Was making a mummy a friend a crime Mr.Officer ?!.... Am I in trouble ?!..... ''

The man looks at her blankly. Then, he smiled. "No trouble. Your ignorance will not save your life, but it will save your soul. May you find peace in the embrace of the Eight."
His hand rises as an emerald, green mist shoots with great speed towards Ryla's face.

Ryla gasp and run away back into the room toward Sheridan. ''SHERIDAN THERE'S A FREAK WHICH I THOUGHT WAS CUTE, BUT HE'S CREEPY ! HELP!'' She runs toward him, but the guy is unconscious in the middle of the pedestal. ''Sheridan ! Not you too ! ... What happened ?! ....'' She shook him, but no answer. ''IT'S NO TIME TO BE SLEEPING GODAMMIT !'' She turned toward the door and took out her fighting staff.

As he enters the room and sees Ryla pull out her weapon, he rushes toward her, his fingers reaching out to touch her.

Ryla resistance, but the man manages to reach her in time, taking a hit from her staff as he makes skin contact.

A smug expression finds its way onto his face as it shifts and changes...in fact, his entire body changes over, until he is a doppelganger of Ryla in body, clothes, and weapon. Still, however, his tattoo and hair color remain.

''Uh ?!'' Was all Ryla had the time to say after seeing the man before her turn into.... herself except with green hairs and his tattoo. She quickly had to dodge a hit that came from a spinning staff. Reacting quickly, she launched her own counter toward this 'dude' with all her might. It quickly continued in a series of multiple hits in which both were equally counter attacking each other. ''Not bad copycat. '' Ryla said while both of them were a bit out of breath, preparing for her next move.

The man says nothing, his battle ensuing as he pushes forward and into the real Ryla, a small laugh escaping her throat that sounded like his own, masculine voice.

Running toward her opened several more hits were exchanged between the two, however Ryla got a bit of an advantage this time as she did as if she would be able to do a move only to get closer to him with her staff and she flipped him over, reading to hit him the moment he would be on the floor.

The moment the man hits the ground, Sheridan will wake up.

[Attention: Xiax, or Eavesdroppers if any]
[Location: --Infinity Edge Guild Hall; Guest Room; United Merchants States--]

Ilyana had left shortly after Xiax had pretty much agreed to accept her hospitality. Once she had left, Xiax proceeded to finish his meal the likes of which he normally probably never enjoyed. "Well it's better than the kitchens." he acknowledged as he wrapped up eating the meal. Being left alone and focusing on eating had allowed him to endure the emotional deluge that sometimes arouse from his power.

It seemed like he was going to be able to enjoy the food for a few days, get his things fixed up, ohh and least he forget try and work on managing his power. The prospect of that held about as much water as a bucket with a hole knocked in the bottom. Most likely he was going to have to use his power a lot, either many times or maybe wringing him out like a sponge in one go.

There were times, like now, when he was alone that he could really remember what his power did. It was odd really. He had a pretty good feeling about what it did and how it worked. Even that he was infusing himself right now, at least he was pretty sure of that.

Xiax turned his hand over and held his fingers out ticking each one off as he went about explaining it. "Infuse is a magic that strengthens something, kinda by supercharging something, kinda feels like I'm making their soul stronger." The first finger ticked off as it curled into his palm.
"It works on both people and objects, though with objects it works best with things that are more solid... no thats not it.* He sat down on the floor so his back pressed against the bed's baseboard. "Something less change-able, or shape-able. There is some sort of word I am missing here, starts with an 'M'..." The word continued to elude Xiax so he eventually gave it up and just ticked off the second finger. He uncurled the first finger again with an "Ohhh yeah as he remembered more.
"It's like I take their soul and stick it in a kiln, well if their soul was clay maybe. Then the magic sort of cooks it, and the energy of my soul hardens it up like heat. Except that I sort of have to keep the kiln going and something in all the time." Analogies aside his really wasn't working too well, even if the finger went down again.
"Three: It doesn't give them any new abilities or weird properties, it only improves the ones they have while reducing the weaknesses. Glass still breaks, though I do have to actually be trying to break it." Last finger, had to switch to his other hand.
"Four: The fuel for my kiln seems to stock up pretty fast, and when it can't fit in the warehouse goes into the kiln to work on me. Which it is right now." Xiax curls his pointer finger of his left hand into his palm continuing.
"Five: Except that if I throw into much it burns me up fast, and then I have problems." Like memory loss and all the other problems, did he mention he wasn't looking forward to tomorrow? He looked over towards the mirror and caught the dim glow of his eyes reflected in it though he'd blown out the candle after he finished. "Where was I?"
"Ohh yeah Six: I heal fast, but not like this." Normally he'd recover from the burns in a couple days, the more serious ones in maybe a week or two but they'd apparently healed him already. "That also explains why I don't see new scars." he said looking at what he could see of his fingers without going through any effort of studying them. "Other than that, I'm not really sure what else I get from it."
He finally ticked off that finger and started on another. "Six. No Seven: My magic burns different parts of me at different times, and that explains the different reactions the user suffers and why they aren't the same all the time."

His left pointer finger was tapping the top of his middle as he thought about it.
"Right now the woods piling up outside the oven, and the fires stoked back to life for another round before the bread goes in again." Xiax stood up and went back to the table, looking at the plate as his fingers all remained ticked off.
..
...
It was dark in the room, and though the crack under the door let in just enough light to make out the shapes of things Xiax was still staring at the plate. eyes unfocused, voice once again detected. "Eight: Infuse's User only receives a break when It's magic has been exhausted, and both it and their Aura must recover. " All four digits of the left hand now closed into a fist.
"Nine: Infuse's Bearer always suffers from the use of It's power, symptoms only become noticeable when It ceases to nullify them by Infusing Itself."

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

Xiax stood looking down at the table and unclenched his hands which had been curled up into fists. "Why do I suddenly have this weird craving for bread?" There was this odd sense of a memory forgotten, but it'd happened so often that the feeling was nothing more than a faint whisper in the wind.
Instead of trying to go back and highlight whatever it was causing that tiny feeling, Xiax let it rest. Taking the blankets from the bed the man laid down on the floor. It was more comfortable to him as he often was used to sleeping on the ground and not something as soft as the bed. He had a long day ahead of him tomorrow, and he needed his rest.

[[OOC: Seemingly large Space between text intentional. Approved by Leah.]]

[Attn: Ryla, Open] #Guild_Shazeer

-Shazeer Ruins; Northern UMS Territory –
**Collab with Leah7!**

When Sheridan awoke, his vision returned. The room was the same, yet it wasn't. It was not as old, and instead, clean and well-lit. He slowly rose up as he looked around. His mouth was agape in awe. "Huh...." He walked to the center and stood there, staring at the pillars. An uneasy feeling began to creep its way into him. It was as if he was being watched. He turned and noticed a man in a chair where the sarcophagus had been. "H-Hello...?"

The man was dark skinned and riddled in navy blue tattoos, all Shazeer in design. He is bald and the tattoo that adorns his chest matches the symbol upon the floor. His lower body is covered in white cloth and the large chair that he is seated in is also heavily decorated in Shazeer designs.

The man speaks and his deep voice echoes throughout the chamber. When the voice issues out, it sounds as many voices, rather than just one, though the dialect is different. "What do you seek?" The voices ask.

Sheridan slightly moved from the center and approached the man. "Well I suppose...I seek answers." He had to be careful with his words. He wanted to know more about the Shazeer, whether this was in his mind, and how to get Ryla and himself out. "Am I correct in assuming I am addressing the Eight?" He had noticed the symbol on the floor that represented the Shazeer deities, often referred as the Eight.

"We are the Ninth, a combination of the Eight." The voices reply, the man's expression remaining blank.

"The Ninth...well this is somewhat unexpected." His body itched to move. He wanted to pace and think it through. Instead, he stood still, as still as he could be. It made sense that they would form a combination; what better way to communicate with the Shazeer. "Where am I? Is this some other dimension or is this in my mind?" He stopped himself and apologized for his rambling.

"You are in the Spirit Realm as your body rests in the physical realm." The Ninth replies calmly.

"Spirit Realm." He mumbled to himself. Sheridan wondered if anyone would believe him. "Was this place used to communicate with the people? What even happened to the Shazeer?" Sheridan stopped and started waving his hands. "Wait! Answer this instead, is my friend Ryla safe? You see, we are well trapped in this room...well not this room but the real room. We meant no offense coming here. Truly, we only wanted to understand your people."

"Ryla is well. We watch to see her fate." The Ninth says, his eyes shifting to a certain spot in the room, though Sheridan can see nothing. "The door to her future has already opened. We regret to inform you that Bentas has died and his soul is lost. We can direct him to the afterlife...for a price." The Ninth returns his gaze to Sheridan, but his body and expression are unchanging.

Sheridan followed the gaze of the Ninth but could see nothing. "Dead...how?" He said sternly. His eyes became fixed on the Ninth. "What would you ask for my guild member's soul?" Sheridan attempted to remain unfazed but he was dealing with the Shazeer deities and their people were very superstitious. What if the price was too much?

"Bentas was murdered." The Ninth states, "For his passage through the Spirit Realm, we ask that you consider a contract with us to become the Shazeer.”

Sheridan blinked for a moment, confused. "Become Shazeer? What would that even entail?" This was nothing similar to what he was expecting.

"The Eight are spirits strong. In ways, we give humans our strength." The Ninth says, "In so doing, they assist us in granting balance between the spiritual and physical realms. Without balance, chaos will ensue and your fate will match that of the previous Shazeer people."

Sheridan looked down. "I see. One more question, why would you want me?" He found the idea intriguing. After all, what better way to learn and understand their culture.

"You reached out to us. You spoke with us. You are here, not any other."

"Oh...well that." He coughed. It was more due to curiosity that got him here. "Very well, I accept as long as you make sure the soul of Bentas moves on. I do not want his soul to remain lost."

"Then a pact is made." The Ninth speaks as the room begins to fade, the man disappearing with it.

A burning sensation began to overtake his skin, spreading all over until it became concentrated into one location on his left pectoral. The pain intensified for a split moment and then faded away, leaving a tattoo in its place. The symbol of the ninth was now marked on him. It happened quickly and he felt himself collapsing again to the ground, fading back to sleep. He would awaken back in the living realm.

"Sylmeria!" Rook says with a slight grin, though he does still look exhausted, "So glad to see you. I have a task for you coming up--one is gonna be common knowledge and the other classified. That means I'll need to chat with you after the others leave."

He gestures for her to take a seat and looks up to see Nymeria making her way to the door. He waves at her with a smile of his own, another forced grin making its way onto his face. It is rare for him to force a grin.

"Nymeria!" He says, matching the previous happy sound from a moment ago. "C'mon in! Where's Harima? Oh wait, here he comes. Get in here, man!"

Harima looks from Rook to the two girls and pales, just slightly. He looks reluctant as he enters the room, his pace suddenly slowed as he cautiously makes his way to a chair of his own.

"I got some stuff I need you guys to do." Rook says, "Harima, you've got to head the Guild while I head out for three days--"

"--what?? You just got ba--" Harima cuts in.

"Shut it." Rook says, giving him a distasteful look. "Just do it. I'm sending these two girls out, as well, so you won't have to look after them."

"...okaayyy." Harima says, uncertainty creeping into his voice. He is ready to say more but Rook cuts in.

"That's all I needed from you, Harima, you may go." Rook says.

Harima looks from Rook to the two girls again, clearly curious in what they are doing there and where it is that they will be going. However, it is obvious that he will not be included in the information, at least not for now, so he makes his way from the room and shuts the door behind him.

Rook looks at Sylmeria with a hard glare. "Girl, you haven't trained at all, have you? I bet you still can't even pick up a sword."


"Blazing chaos, that's what's happened." Rodimus says, his voice now cutting down to a rough whisper. "Now, you listen good. What I'm about to say to you--you didn't hear it. What is about to be said does not go on past these walls. You never repeat these words, not even to me."

Rodimus stands up, pacing about the room and listening for anyone that could be spying. He makes extra precautions before he moves over to the chair right next to Char, leaning in to whisper more words to him.

As he speaks, he hands over something to Char, a metal chest that would appear to be seamless--clearly Rodimus' own work with his ability. The chest is a foot wide and as he places it in Char's lap, he points his index finger down on its top fervently.

"You don't open this. You don't have this." Rodimus says, clearly stressed and angry, "But by the Gods, you protect it with your life. Do you understand me, Char?"



Miriam has the body moved to the infirmary, his body cared for carefully as she begins to send out paperwork. She has so much to do, and now...now she will be the Guild Master. Her stomach twists and churns with nausea as she thinks about the things to come.

"What's missing from the Museum?" Miriam asks, walking towards the room herself. "Anything too great?"

"Three Shazeer artifacts." Tork replies sadly, "One was a working artifact, ma'am. It was the--"

"Okay, okay." Miriam says, suddenly overwhelmed and wishing she hadn't asked. "Is Shyis still in there?"

"Yes, ma'am." Tork says.

"Good." Miriam says, "I want to talk to her alone...I need you to send a message for me. Is Kentas available? He has the similar ability as his twin, yes?"

"Yes, ma'am." Tork says, "I'll fetch him for you and have him sent to your office."

"Excellent. Thank you, Tork." Miriam says. She moves into the Museum, which is now a wreck. Someone had torn their entire organization apart looking for the three specific things that were missing, no doubt. She sighs, making her way through the mess and rubble as she moves up to Shyis.

"Shyis." Miriam says quickly and sadly, "We need to talk right now. It's important."

She waits for the girl to finish up her current task at hand within her device. The girl has been in this room almost non-stop since she became a Guild member...it worried her. However, Rex had never had an issue with it, so she never said a thing. Miriam clears her throat.

"Shyis...Rex--your brother..." Miriam chokes up a bit, tears falling down her cheeks. She struggles to get the words out. "He's been murdered."


As the assailant falls to the floor from Ryla's blow, he looks over at Sheridan's unconscious body as a sudden heat fills the room. A mark begins to glow upon Sheridan's forehead, matching that of the one in the center of the floor.

The copy-cat Ryla looks angry, her fierce scowl expressing a hatred not delivered by most strangers. A dagger is pulled from his sleeve as he returns to his usual form, the man's face contorted in that hatred still as the blade moves for Sheridan's throat.

"NOOOO!!!" He roars, "You TOOK IT FROM ME!!"