MITRASH RPG

[Angel]

Xs: TT.TT Painful… painful… and I am hungry… can we have some food?

The rest were plainly ignoring his constant complains, which was going on and on since DD pinched him on his face. That was fifteen minutes ago. Even the usual calm DD shows sign of annoyance. Reiz and Bean are obviously ignoring Xs, trying hard not to curse him. Angel however, shows no emotion at all, which is definitely not her usual self.

“uwaaaa~~ I am hungry…” Xs moaned, pulling Angel by her arm. Angel looked at him, shakes her head and told him off, “Stop moaning, we are all hungry but there is more important things to attend to then your stomach. Why don’t you help us finish them first instead of moaning?”

Xs looks devastated from Angel’s reply, hung his head down and walk silently next to her.

“Hey, Xs! Don’t stand so close to Angel! Back off a bit.”

“Huh?” Xs looks back to see a raging Reiz behind him, standing alongside with an equally annoyed Bean and DD. “What did I do? I am only walking…”

Annoyed, “Stay far away from her! Or I’ll curse you dead!”

“WAAAAA!!!!” Xs immediately jump behind Angel, hiding from an angry Reiz, “ HELP!! He is going to kill me! Help me!!”

This seems to raise Angel’s temper and resulted to a string of smacking on all of them. “Can’t you all just keep quiet and get to the safe house peacefully?? YOU!! XS!! Stop acting like a kid or you’ll get hell from me, got it?” She glared at the terrified Xs who muttered a faint “yes”.

Lissath, who had been very quiet since they found him with Bean back at outskirt of Sirroth, starts speaking all of a sudden, “The people of Sirroth is no longer at the safe house. Seems like they had escape.”

“Escape? Impossible… we lock the door from outside.” Bean was worried of the safety of innocents, those he had risk his life to protect…

“Someone had released them then… but who?”

“Wait a second! Where are Jester and Elodia?”

Everyone turn their head around looking for Jester and Elodia. They did not realize they were missing until Reiz mentioned it. It was obvious that Jester and his sister are not with them. Panic starts to rise among them, for Jester has been a member of their “family” now, and nobody likes him to be missing. Especially after a full raid by demons…

“We got to find him… fast…” Angel starts to run ahead them, picking up speed as she goes, with Xs tailing behind her. The rest starts to follow, but headed towards different direction in order to cover more search area.


“How could you?”

“What?” Xs was puzzled by Angel’s question.

“Nobody had ever been able to follow my speed but you didn’t even sweat a bit keeping up with me!! Who are you??”

Xs seems a little uncomfortable by the confrontation. He simply shakes the question off by telling her how important exercise is, which deeply annoyed her, “Yeah, right…. Exercise… bullshit!”

As they both search the North area of Sirroth for Jester and Melodia, they come upon many of the Sirroth’s people, busy cleaning up the mess. As they approached the most northern part of Sirroth, they saw two figures, standing a large tree branch of an ancient tree. As they reaches nearer to them…

“ANGEL!!!! THANK GOD!!!”

One of the figures jumped from the branch.

“OH MY GOD!!! THAT’S MORE THAN TEN FEET!!! HE IS GOING TO DIE!!!” Xs screamed when he sees the figure leap from the branch.

But the figure landed onto something mid-air of his jump, followed by the second figure. They both fly towards Angel and Xs in great speed, landing right in front of them.

“JESTER!! ELODIA!!” Angel embraces them as they dismounted Valvaris.

[Jester]

Elodia spoke in astonishement, "Whoa Angel!! It's like I thought you all would've left already!"

Angel angrily stared at Elodia and said, "I'm not that kind of person, ohkay!?"
Jester started smiling and exclaimed that it was just a joke, he then shifted his attention to the small little boy beside Angel, and asked, "Who is this?"

'Xs', Angel replied, 'Some kid that we bumped into just now...'
Jester glared at Xs, with Elodia trying to sense his aura. Xs stared back at Jester with an innocent pair of eyes.

Elodia then whispered into Jester's ear, 'I can't sense anything at all.'
Jester went into a state of shock and regained his conscious when Angel called out to him that they should get going to meet the others. Xs trailed behind Angel and both Jester, Elodia followed.

The others were happy to see Jester and Elodia again. They exchanged hugs and those that never seen Elodia before were introduced to her.
"My Sister, Elodia Annueldo", said Jester.
"Nice to meet you.", replied DD and Bean while shaking her hand.

Just then, Reaper spoke to DD in his mind, "Hm. I can feel it. She has a weak aura but I can sense a suppresion to it..."
'Meaning?', DD asked.
This time, Ariel answered instead, "She's powerful enough to control her own power from showing too obviously."
DD went into silence.

Bean suddenly said, " So, any idea who released the citizens?"
Reiz then turned to Jester and Elodia, "Did you guys release the citizens from the safe house?"
Jester and Elodia turned to each other, and turn back to Reiz, " What safe house?"
The other kept quiet. They exhanged looks with each other. Jester and Elodia looked at Xs, and Jester whispered into Elodia's ear, " There's something wrong with that Xs guy."

"I know. Its okay if I can't sense the aura but.."
"Nothing at all? Sis, I know what your sensing power can do, but even normal citizens has auras, extremely weak ones that is."
"We'll... find out soon enough, and hope its not too late..."

Angel screamed at them, " What are you two keeping from us?!"
Jester hastily replied, " No...No.. Nothing..."
Reiz stared at them, " I don't want you guys to keep anymore secret from us!"
Elodia replied, " We aren't!"
Jester continued, " We'll tell you when the time is right!"

"When would be the 'right time' then?"
"Trust us. Believe us. We'll let you know."

The team went silent. Xs stared at both the 'groups'.
Reiz spoke, " Okay. I believe you. We'll wait. I hope we can get a proper answer."
Jester replied with 2 words, "You Will."
___________________________________________________________
Done......!!

[mistabean]

After all of that Lissath deemed it is time for him to go back. He said that now the group has been reunited, they could take care of themselves. But before he left, he motioned Bean to the side and cautioned him about Gibbaroul, stating that he would not engage him under no circumstances. When Bean asked why, Lissath just shrugged and went away.

Later that day, it was DD's turn to motion Bean to the side. To the roof actually, the night that night was just plain beautiful... as if nothing had happened that day, all ws peaceful.

"Well, Reaper told me about the Demon Lord stuff..." DD started, as they were staring at the moon that night.

"And, what did he actually tell you?" Bean asked back, as he handed a flask to DD. DD took a drink from that, and almost immediately spat it out, coughing and stuff. Bean just chuckled as he pat DD's back. For once, he felt close to this man. He was after all, his first companion at the King's City.

"He told me..., that the Demon has ranks in them. That a Demon Lord is the second-highest rank in a demon community, the top being a demon with a title... He also said, that a Demon Lord has many followers and minions... a private army, that is another word for it..."

Bean gazed out at the moon, spacing out. DD continued after silence was the reply from Bean.

"What I want to know is, how could you trust a Demon Lord like Lissath so much, yet you hated another so much... You trusted Gibb, an outcast of the magic community, hated by all... yet you dont trust us, your own friends who have been through together so much!!"


Bean gazed out at the moon, spacing out, taking a swig once in awhile, the free hand on the Staff. But this time DD didnt continue, waiting patiently for the reply. DD felt something in his mind, as if probing it, but this time DD wasn't going to block it. He will let Bean do as he pleased. Ariel was there, and she was not going to hide, because she too need some answers. And Reaper, well... He wasn't going to hide anyway... But he was exceptionally quiet, and as Bean's probe reached him, he gave a sort of silly little wave. The probe chuckled at this...

"It seems that the Reaper wasn't such a bad guy after all... But his aura is menacing though"

DD kept silent, then...

"Why did I trusted Gibb? I didnt know he was a Conjurer, and last time I was in Sirroth, he had many chances to turn me in. Necrid's agent was near there, and they were combing the city in search for me. He was the one that I go to King City to seek refuge too. I had a gut feeling that he won't betray me, not even for the world. And then Lissath..., he came to me when I was unconcious you see... Yeah he is a Demon Lord, but he told me that he had worked for many Dark Sorceror, and that same gut feeling told me he could be trusted..."

"Reaper told me, that he knew Lissath of old. He told me that his army was among the smallest... yet among the most loyal"

"That is because, he didnt bought his position, i think. As he demonstrated, he was a powerful demon, but there is one thing he didnt like, that his troops found most welcoming... From what he had shown me, he didnt like backstabbers and those who forsaked their comrades and companions. He thought you guys are amazing, all of you. It was an abnormal level, he thought," Bean paused to take another swig at the flask. DD just seemed appalled at this. Bean continued on...

"You know what Lissath told me before he left? He said that I was not to engage Gibbaroul and, if I can, Necrid alone. He told me that it was an exception today, that I fought Necrid alone, to make me realize what is his full potential. What is a Demon Lord true power... And lastly, he said, that if he have companions like I did, he would gladly fight with you guys..."

Another swig... another pause. Bean realized that he was out of it. He sighed deeply and pocketed the flask. Then he lied down on the roof, this time gazing at the stars...

"I have survived this far by trusting my instincts... And deep down I knew that he was right. But why you ask? Because I was afraid... I have suffered too much, had cause too much suffering and pain too... My only wish is that I want to redeem myself..."

DD appeared satisfied with this answer. He got up, and was just to went back, but then...

"Hey, we are all confused in this thing as you are. So we are in the same boat"

Bean had already closed his eyes and was snoring quite loudly, but somehow DD knew that he listened to what he had said...

"Heh that was pretty mushy stuff", Reaper's voice came full force after that, almost knocking DD off rhe roof.


------

Summary: Just a filler

[Angel]

The night was silent, in fact it was too silent for a city that had just been overrun by a battalion of demons. The silence screams pain in it, maybe even danger, for it is not normal for a night at Sirroth to go all dead, not even a single insect’s creak was heard. It is like the entire city was rid of all voices, into tranquility, into … dead.

 Angel is still wide-awake, lying on her bed, though it was way pass midnight. Something in her told her that the night is no longer safe in Sirroth. She wonders how long she could stay here, while it is still consider safe… Recent events had carved a deep wound into her, for Angel had lived in the protection of the Convent since she was a child. Nothing unhappy had happened to her before, at least nothing serious. But since her acceptance of the given task by the Convent, her life had taken a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree change. Nothing is normal anymore. Nothing is save anymore. Wherever she went, destruction took place, demons pursuit and innocents died.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

“Who is that?”

“It’s me, Xs. Can I come in?” He sounded weak, or was it a whisper? He opened the door slowly, careful not to leek a single crack into the silent night. Walking in, Angel saw that he was not as short as he seems to be. Maybe it was the way he carries himself that makes him seem small. In fact he was quite tall, at least five foot four or maybe taller. His babyish face smile when he catch sight of Angel, who is now sitting on her bed.

“Anything important?”

“Erm… I cannot sleep, not with Reiz glaring at me the entire night. Can you talk to him? He seems to listen to you… “

“… There is nothing I can do about it if chooses to dislike you. In fact, I don’t fancy the way you carries yourself. Why must you wail even at the tiniest things? You are a man, the least you can do is be one or act like one.”

“… I am not what you see. I am not as blur as everyone think I am. I might seems weak, I might seems useless, but I am not what you saw, at least not what everyone else saw…” He seems serious while saying that.

“Are you trying to tell me something? Who are you?”

“Me? Ah! It’s getting late and I need to sleep! Uwaaa! Can I sleep here, on the floor?” He responded, pointing at the floor with a pair of innocent eyes. Angel was confused by this, one moment he was all serious, the next moment he… well, he is he again, the wimpy wailing kid named Xs.

“Fine, but don’t you even dream of doing anything funny or I’ll personally make sure you are nothing but a pile of dead meat. Got it?”

“Glurp. … Okay… sure!” And with that he went straight to sleep.

[ThE-HunTeD]

sometime in the night, angel was awaken from some mumblings. at first she taught someone was trying to sneak into her room, then she found out that the mumblings came from the floor. "i cant take it anymore sis, he keep expecting me to be like my brothers"

angel, got curious and walked over to where xs is sleeping. "i am leaving this place, i'll be want i want to be and not what he wants me to be" angel wonders what xs talking about, who is this "he" that he dislikes. "thank you sis, you're the only one that understands me". then suddenly angel tripped over the chair and droped xs's hilt and dagger and in the process waking up xs.

With a half awaken face, xs said "huh...? time for breakfast already?" angel, couldn't to think of a reason to say why she was near him said "all you think of is food, is there anything else you think of ?!!!"  xs kept quiet for a while and answered " yea, money " angel nearly threw a fit after hearing that shouted " just go back to sleep" . xs, like a good litle boy just went back to sleep. Angel went back to her bed, wondering about what xs murmured earlier and also what he said when he entered her room earlier.

[Angel]

At the Convent Guild, preparation for the Blessing Ceremony is almost finished. The entire Cathedral is dressed grandly for the rare occasion. The Blessing Ceremony were usually held in the city of immortals, where none of it’s inhibits suffer from the dread and sorrow of mortality like any humans. The ancient city which was build by ancients God and Goddess, the sacred land was named as Houndamaine, it floats among clouds and sails on winds, with one secret, secret but deadly entrance from the far Northern Mountains of Kandalique. But now, the Blessing Ceremony was held here, at Bathereiumme Island instead, where an angel will be recognized, bless and granted a new power.

     “Well, how is everything? I want no mistakes at all during the ceremony,” the Bishop looks around, monitoring the final touches of the dressing. Many priestesses are putting up decorations of silvers, gold, flowers and bells around. Some were busy cleaning and scrubbing every inch of the Cathedral’s wall. Maltilda, the Priestess in Charge spoke in a soft yet clear voice, answered the Bishop, “Everything is fine, Father. Only the last touches before we finish everything. The Great Bell still needs some tiding up to do though. I have not been able to get anyone to clean it without… erm… awakening it in... Well…” her sentence was broken, as she has difficulty describing the situation. But it seems that the Bishop understood, he nodded, “I understand. It has yet to listen to our commands, though it has been here for as long as this Cathedral was build, that was 600 years ago… we must have not proven our strength yet, or maybe insufficient for the Great Bell to acknowledge us… it did indeed belongs to Yewa, the King of Demons of the Underworld, strong and mighty he is, pure and saintly even though he was of demon origins. Haiz… his sealing was a sad tragedy.”

     “When will Angel be back for the ceremony?” Matilda asked, curious, as the guild has not informed Angel on the ceremony. “She will come very soon. Faith has begun to turn, her destiny is due soon, she must come here, whether she like or not. It is her own destiny that binds her it will guide her here. A fortnight I’ll say, or maybe earlier, as fast or as slow the tide will bring her. Worry not, Matilda, your hard work will not be wasted.”

                                                      ***

[DayDreamerz]

Reaper teaching DD. Skip if unintrested cause it's very long but still less than 3 full pages.
----------------------------------------------------------
Back in his room, DD was chatting with Reaper and Ariel in his mind. Reaper moaned about having more peculiar people joining the group. The group was already special in some sense, attracting trouble where ever they went. First it was the annihilation of Matherauimme, now Sirroth is no better now. Adding dubious people would further complicate matters, claimed Reaper. DD then raised the matter of  private armies’ demon lords possessed, asking why Reaper didn’t call upon his army to protect them.

“Private army? Those bumbling fools? I wouldn’t entrust them to safeguard even a strand of my hair! They can’t even save themselves when they don’t need to. Hmm… when I think about it, those idiots remind me of someone… you.”

Feeling the insult, DD stood up for himself in the face of a laughing Reaper. He could take care of himself, or so he said when Reaper decided to let him see how pathetic he would have fared in an actual situation. Holding on to DD, he used the spell “Into the Unknown” to bring DD into his private realm for some simulation purposes.

DD opened his eyes. He found himself at a recreation of the incident at the city gates from earlier on. It came complete with the 2 thugs standing guard, debris strewn all over the streets and smoldering buildings. When he tried to force his way out of the city back then, Ariel had stepped in to stop him. Reaper then told DD to try his worst, knowing that he won’t succeed. Ariel then joined Reaper on the sidelines to observe.

DD geared himself up. The thugs were about 20 meters ahead and 3 meters apart with their backs facing him. An attack from behind would be the way to go. Focusing on his plan, he started his run. No long into his run, it was obvious there were flaws in his plan, mainly the street was in no condition to support a covert sudden attack. The objects on the street clattered as DD ran into them, tipping off the guards of an incoming attacker. As if it was not bad enough, DD staggered over some items on several occasions as he tried to maintain his momentum. In the end, the thugs overpowered him and he lost his head, literally. Seeing his headless body slumping beside him, he screamed in horror. The pain was unbearable, and he demanded Reaper to stop the simulation. Ariel had already closed her eyes, not wanting to see what would was to happen. Reaper, laughing uncontrollably, approached DD and gave him a few pointers.

“Know where you went wrong?”
“I don’t care! Just stop it already!”
“Stop it? This is what you would face in reality. A game where you can just get up and start over it is not. When you die, you die. On the flip side, it would not hurt so much in reality. You’d be long dead before you felt this pain. :twisted:”

Reaper then restores the scene. DD was glad to have his head back and the pain a thing of the past.
 
“Now, tell me what went wrong.”
“The streets weren’t conducive to conduct a direct attack. Thanks for showing it to me ‘first hand’.”
“That’s one of the fundamentals in combat. Know your surroundings. Your surroundings can work for, or against you depending on how you utilize them. Let’s put that aside. Think you can do it if the streets were clear?”

With a snap of his fingers, the streets were cleared. DD agreed to have another go, to show that he could do it in ideal conditions. Setting off again, he made it to the first thug and knocked him out. However, before he could take out the other thug, the thug had already drawn his weapon and they were soon involved in a fight. As DD was busy fighting, he lost his head again. This time, the thug he took out earlier on had rose again, just like the one he left skewered on the fence. Screaming in pain again, Reaper came back for some feedback. DD could only grumble while holding back the pain.

“Another fundamental of combat - know your foes. You knew they wouldn’t stay down but you chose to ignore it, going ahead with your gung-ho approach. Do you know battles are not only won using strength, but also by using the mind?

DD grumbled even more, not liking to be lectured. Certainly not by someone he’s trying to prove wrong. Reaper then reset the scene again, giving DD another try. DD was reluctant to try again. The pain, although gone, still lingered in his mind. After giving it some thought, he was determined to do it again, to prove that he could pull it off. Running in from the flanks, he blindsided a thug on his way to the other thug. The distance between the 2 thugs were too great, and his misjudgment got him into a drawn out fight. Same as the previous attempts, he lost his head to the other thug who returned and joined the fray. The only difference this time round was that DD was used to the pain, picking his head up and screwing it back on as if nothing happened. Reaper was surprised with that.

“I’m surprised. It doesn’t hurt anymore?”
“Not as much as I’m going to hurt you after this!”
“Taking it out on me for your own shortcomings? Pity pity… You can’t even clear the thugs. What do you think your chances are?”

DD went silent. Reaper had a point. Reaper offered another chance, but DD declined. He was aware what the Reaper was pointing to. That he forgot about his own capabilities. There was no way he could take both thugs out quickly with his current speed. Wallowing in self despair, Reaper decided to play a short sequence of memories depicting a shadowy person burning down a house, the house that was home to the dead girl taken to the mayor’s mansion.

“What’s the meaning of this?”
“Nothing particular. If you can’t even get out of this situation, what difference could you have done? Burn along with the family?”

That statement ignited a flame within DD. Reaper then promptly substituted the thugs at the gate with the figures. DD took some time to calm down and formulate a way to succeed. Looking at his surroundings, he decided to creep along the back of the buildings to get closer to the gates. This had eliminated the problems the debris strewn street would cause. He then threw a stone to the other side of the gate, attracting the attention of both guards. As they huddled together to decide what to do next, DD crept up behind them. Taking both of them down simultaneously, he had succeeded. He couldn’t take them out if they were far apart, so by using the thug’s group mentality to bring them together, he could take them out simultaneously, much to the delight of himself and to the surprise of Reaper.

“You did great… after 3 attempts. You should realize you only have 1 chance in reality.”
“I have start from somewhere. Experience grows by experiencing.”

After completing the task, DD wanted to rest. Before DD left, Reaper called for him. There was another unspoken rule about fighting, the rule that everything goes in a fight. Most warriors know of it but chose to ignore them, claiming it was against their morals to follow it.

“In short, the end justifies the means. As long as you are left standing, you have won.”
“Yes, sifu” sarcastically replied DD. He wasn’t really sure what that meant but left anyway.

Ariel then approached Reaper.

“Next time you want to do some teaching, I’ll do it. You’re bad influence.”
“The end justifies the means… There is nothing purely wrong or right."
 
Back in the room, DD woke up in cold sweat. Checking if his head was still there, he went to sleep assured he wasn’t dead.

-----------------------To Be Continued--------------------
Synopsis -~> Reaper takes DD to school. As simple as that.

[ElderG]

Dawn arrived early, bathing the silent town of Sirroth with a warm luminescence that roused the local populace. With the events of last night still firmly implanted in their minds, they went about repairing the damage to their once blustering town. However, some wounds can’t be healed so easily.

“What did you say!?” Angel screamed at the inn owner, causing him to flinch back in fright. “What do you mean we can’t stay here!?”

Taking a deep breath and gathering his courage, the elderly man replied, “I’m- I’m sorry, but your presence here has put me and my family at risk, not to mention the whole town. While I can only offer my gratitude for saving us yesterday, we will want nothing more to do with you. Please kindly leave.”

To no one’s surprise, Angel was fuming after the reply and was about to jump the frail man if it was not for Reiz. “It will do no good. Besides, now we know that we have already outstayed our welcome.”

Angel, however will not let it lay. “That’s just ungrateful! Booting us out even after we saved your city!? Is this how you thank people!?”

“Just- just leave already!” the inn owner’s son yelled out, his voice full of anger but also tainted with fear. “It isn’t the end, is it!? Trouble follows you all around and we will want no part of it!”

As the situation degenerated into a brawl of anger, Reiz took charge and promptly removed the gang from the scene with Angel in tow. As they made way for the city gates, the hostility displayed in the eyes of the residence population was as clear as the sun shining on the horizon. No words were exchanged but the message had already been delivered.  

“So, where do you think we’ll be going next?” Xs asked out of curiosity. They were a few replies but the clearest one came from Reiz; not that he had been expecting it.

“Anywhere without you.” Reiz answered and shoot a death glare at the diminutive thief, the second of the day. The first came when he happened to stumble upon him sleeping in Angel’s room. Sure, he was on the floor, but the fact that lingered was that he.was.sleeping.in.Angel’s.room! As you’ve already guessed, that didn’t settle well for the shadow warlock.

“Hold it!” Angel’s voice cried out, drowning the debate that had erupted in respond to Xs’s inquiry. “I don’t care where you want to go, but we ARE going to the convent to revive Ariel and that’s final!”  

“Then count us out.” Devenna and Bean replied simultaneously. “We have other business to attend to and frankly speaking, I’m not really fond of the convent either.” Devenna added. This earned her some very unpleasant stares from Angel.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Angel inquired menacingly as her pride took over.

Devenna however casually brushed it off. “It’s just as I said. Got a problem with that?” Soon, an uneasy and tensioned silence ensured between the two, leaving the onlookers feeling the heat.

“Ah… h- how far is the convent? You never mention where it is.” DD injected, trying to break the deadlock. For a moment there, the cold air surrounding them warmed for a bit… a bit that is.

“Well, I’m not sure where exactly, but I know that’s its 3 days sail from Ugandruna and that’s during spring when the winds are strong enough for the journey.” Angel explained, her eyes still maintaining the deadlock.

“Yeah, I remember it’s somewhere in the middle of the Sea of the West. I don’t know if any boats will sail there in this time of the year.” Reiz added thoughtfully. “But seeing that we have a dragon, we won’t have to worry about transportation.”

DD bleached. “Please don’t say we are flying again…”

“However, we’ll have to get past the costal typhoons first. We won’t get anywhere if the winds blow us off.” This new information by Reiz sent chills down DD’s spine. The thought of him thrown around by gale class winds while pummeling to the ground below didn’t settle well in his mind.

Wanting to avoid any unwanted confrontation with the locals, the gang exited Sirroth by the east gate before doubling back to the north where Femara was hidden. Along the way, Angel and Devenna maintained their cold silence while the rest discussed the grave matter at hand. Ignoring the fact that the western coast was being ravaged by seasonal typhoons, the shear distance of Bathereiumme Island was becoming a problem. Even Femara wouldn’t be able to cover the ocean that lie between them, much less do it with passengers. While a red dragon like her was capable of greater speeds, achieving them would risk her master’s safety. Putting that aside, logistics became another thorn in the grand plan; there was no way one dragon was able to carry enough supplies to last the 3 day journey.

Approaching the edge of the forest that concealed the tamed beast, everyone was suddenly pummeled by a raging wind that swept across without warning, kicking up a dust storm. Detecting the unnatural nature of the wind, Bean, Angel, Reiz and Jester quickly erected barriers to ward off any surprise attacks that maybe imminent. As the dust settled and vision returned, the silhouettes of two figures can be clearly seen in a backdrop of reflecting dust. Taking no chances, swords were drawn, katars were released and spells were readied; whoever who’s on the receiving end was in for a ride.

“Ain’t you people a sight for sore eyes.” A familiar voice called out, jokingly added, “I have must been a regulator, cause you’ll seem to cause more trouble without me.”

Angel cringed in thought when she heard those words; the voice reminding her of a painful memory, one she would rather forget. To DD, fear came overwhelming, sending a wave of shock throughout his body as he scurried to find a good hiding place. Bean however, fringed indifference. He was bound to return he told himself. To the others, they watched with deadly caution as the figures slowly approached them.

Unchanged to the untrained eye, a young adult with ruffled sky blue hair and piercing crimson eyes came into view.  While his sink spotted a light tan, his outfit had remained unchanged; the black mid-split cloak billowing out, flowing with the wind. Particularly, the only difference noticeable was the fact that the bracelets that once ornament his wrists were gone leaving a visible tan change. Also, as Bean noted silently, he was different; his was radiating confidence, his demeanor as rigid as before but now sported a jovial hint, one that Bean would never expect out of him.

The other was a teenage girl just an inch shorter then her partner. Her long sky blue hair becomes one with the wind, reflecting the sunlight with a radiant glow. Her skin was soft and her looks could bring a god to his knees, if you forgo the fact that she posses the same piercing crimson eyes as the guy next to her; it was almost like she was his twin. As for the outfit, she had a brown desert cloak with its hood down, a white tight tank top, a short black skirt that was held together by a metal belt that held many punches and a sword sheath. She also had bracelets on her wrists but they were lest bulky and more refined. While her hands were gloved, the left glove stood out; numerous wire like strings were linked to every inch of the glove, all connecting to a golden metal ring that was locked around her wrist.

“Hey, say something. Did you miss me?”

Bean shrugged, “Don’t count on it, Elder. We wouldn’t miss you for a second.”

“What… the heck… are you doing here!” Angel exploded, causing some people to jump back in surprise. “I’ll. Kill. You- You. Bastard!!” With that, Angel launched herself at ElderG, an unknown spell in her hand. However, Reiz got to him first.

“You’re gonna pay for making her cry!” He cried, landing a punch into ElderG’s face. As quickly as he had attack, ElderG returned the punch with a fist to his nose sending Reiz staggering back, surprised by the retaliation.

“Whatever reasons you have for attacking me, remember that I won’t allow it to pass so easily, no matter how noble it may be.” He announced, assuming a battle pose. Reiz, unsatisfied with just one blow, clenched his fist tightly and prepared to attack again, this time concentrating his power into his hands. To those who made his beloved cry, there will be no mercy and his next punch will be a testament to that.

It was fast and to all seemed like a blurred flash, but as the dust settled, Reiz lay dumbstruck on the ground ten feet away from his assailant. And to add, he found his body unresponsive and rattled in pain. “You may have noticed that your motor abilities are disabled. Don’t worry about it though, it’ll only last an hour.” ElderG seemed to mock at him. Last he remembered was the guy dodging his punch, a blow to his midsection, and two jabs to the back before he was elbowed away.

“MYSTIC SHOWER!!” a cry came from ElderG’s side, one that originated from Angel. Startled by this, ElderG soon found him starring into dozens of mystical arrows all aimed at him with nothing but the air standing in between. Damn, look’s like I’ll have to draw, a split second though ran through his head.

It has changed, Bean thought. Beyond him stood a man, unfazed by the powerful magic that had been aimed at him, a sword in his hands; Soul, yet not the same. The shorter, wider blade was sharper and the polished metal glinted with perfection. Attached just above its strange hilt were Iris stones, each encircled with glyphs and runes that were all greek to Bean. Yet its flaws could be clearly seen by Bean’s trained eyes; the blade’s edges were clouded and the metal was tainted by impurities. That got Bean thinking because he knew no blacksmith would allow such an abomination to be wielded, much less be created.

“Putting up a fight, huh? Well then, I’ll just have to Grand End your-“ Angel was cut short when she found a blade resting at the edge of her neck, angled along her jaw line. Her eyes followed the metal until they came upon a pair of crimson eyes, full of passion yet icy cold. Angel tensed as the owner of those eyes began her speech.

“Listen well priestess because I’ll only say it once. I’m Grace Gradina Fenrir, sister to Elder Grada Fenrir and currently pissed off. I know you have more important things to settle other then your personal vendetta to that ass of a sibling, so I suggest you forget about it because if you haven’t noticed, you aren’t in a position to go about killing allies.” Her clear, cold voice delivered the message with deadly efficiency.

Finding courage, Angel replied “Allies? You Keepers aren’t to be trusted, not after…” she let the end hang.

Angel relaxed when Grace sheathed her sword. “Believe what you think is true, but do you really think you can defeat an unknown foe divided like this? I’m offering my hand; its up to you to take it.” Her left hand twitched and the gold ring responded with a gold pulse of light.

“Oh my god!” DD and Xs exclaimed as they were suddenly engulfed by an enormous shadow, looking at the cause to only find a black metal hull floating above them. It was a strange contraption; over 200 meters in length, the Zodiac moved without any hint of its massive size. Four arched extensions extended beyond the main body, the shape closely resembling four claws with the side extensions thicker then the upper and lower one’s. Two large angled grilled intakes lined the side of the main body, both having one of the two main mana sails attached to them. The blue mana sails, angled along the ship’s line, pulsed every now and then, the two main sail’s easily reaching over 100 meters in length and 60 meters wide when extended fully. A smaller sail, located above at the ships stern was only a third in size but complimented its bigger brothers with its ability to maneuver the ship at impossible speeds. With no bridge or anything resembling one, this airship baffled anyone that had trained their eyes on it.

“Hahaha what a turn around. It’ll be a smooth ride to Bathereiumme Island from now on.” Reiz said. “That is, if the miss would let us on it.”

“Hmm, I think I might, if you’ll are alive by midday.” Grace replied. “Bro, give me a call when you’re ready. I’ve things to settle first.” With that, she disappears in a flash of blue, startling everyone. Then, the monster airship began to roar to life, raising its altitude before blasting off into the horizon, leaving a bluish halo in its wake.

Returning Soul to its place, ElderG moves slowly towards Angel, the air around them tensed.

“What you want?” Angel growled, her eyes looking ready to kill. Even as the anger within her begins to cool slightly, she was unprepared for the reply that came in a soft, solemn voice.

“I’m sorry…”

[ThE-HunTeD]

Joint post by me and Angel. so total page limit is 6. this is 4 pgs only.




After a long silence...

SLAP!!!!!

All were surprised, seeing the reaction of Angel. Even though they had kind of expecting her to beat the hell of him, or was it because that slap was too mild, considering the usual level of her attacks. Elderg stood there, silence, with his face glowing red where Angel's hand had greeted him.

"I am sorry? I AM SORRY? After all the things that you had done to me? I AM SORRY??? MY ASS!!!" Angel screamed at him, raging in anger. She has not forgotten what she had witnessed; the death of her dearest friend has a deep impact on her. In fact, she was the only person who held the clue to her Mother, and she is now dead, thanks to Elder Grada Fenrir, the man standing in front of her now, apologizing.

"That is all I can say, for everything I have done, for all the wounds that I had inflicted in your heart, it is my fault, mine alone and mine to bear. I thought I will be able to forget, that I could leave it behind, I thought my duty was the top priority in my life... I was wrong. You, you are the one that I am supposed to protect, yet I hurt you. You are the one who bring real self out, but I ignored you. You are the one whom trusted me, but I..." He fell into silence, breaking his sentence. Angel stands in front of him, still glaring, unmoved by his words, smirk and continue, "But you BETRAY me. Why? After all your ill-doings, you are afraid of this word? Or has you rot, weaker, weaker than before? After all, all that matters to you is your Keeper duty, ain't it? So, why? Feeling guilty?"

ElderG looks at the ground beneath his feet. He knew this will happen. Betrayal is the worst crime one can commit, and it doubles the crime when you are an assigned Keeper. He dare not looks Angel in his eyes, her anger makes him feel a thousand time worst than what he usually feels. Still staring at the ground, he speaks, "Yes, betrayal has tied my soul down, for I had betrayed not anyone, but you... My assigned ... Lady, my... love..." and he never had the chance to finish his word when Angel landed a huge smack on his face, sending him onto the ground hard.

"Don't you dare address me that way!!? You are the worst man I’ve ever seen in my entire life!!"

"Please let me finish my line, please..."

"I don't want to hear you say anything! Get out of my life once and for all!!!"

"I LOVE YOU!!!"

Everyone was stunned by the mention of the three little words. The impact of it was not imaginable, for it came out the way they least expected it, in a scream! Reiz was furious by the mentioning of it, especially by one who had makes his dearest lady cried. DD was stunned, not knowing what to think of, starred at ElderG, as if waiting for him to say something. Then, DD felt a finger poking his left rib, he turn and look straight into an innocent pair of eyes that belongs to Xs. Surprised, he staggered back a few steps, " What? What the..." Xs looks at Angel and ElderG, then back to DD, asking "Are those two lovers?" His words caught the ears of Reiz, who were standing behind Xs, in a rage of fire. Xs suddenly felt a tensed icy cold feeling prickling his neck, he slowly turn around him and find a mad Reiz, staring at him, his face glowing red, his hand clutching his staff hard. Somehow, Xs feels the importance of checking the ground, to his horror saw a spell inscription right where he is standing. Instinctly, he immediately grab DD, knowing Reiz will not harm DD. DD reacted in shock, screaming, trying to shake Xs of him, "LET GO OF ME!! I DON"T WANT TO DIE YOUNG!!!" "Yeah, yeah, some chicken you are. It's a shame I have to reside within you," Reaper speaks in DD's mind, mocking him.

 Just as Reiz was about to start saying something, Angel spoke, "HA! Hahaha! You? Love me? Hahahahhahahaahaaaaaaa... What a hypocrite! Even Reiz is better in showing his affection to me!" Reiz, hearing that from Angel, calmed down himself, dispel the spell on Xs. Both Xs and DD feel a sudden relief.
Xs leap down of DD, causing DD to almost trip. Cursing inside him, DD communicate with Reaper, "looks like there's more trouble now..." "Duh! I can see for myself." "Get the hell out of my life, AND tell that sister of yours to never draws her pathetic blade on me again, or I’ll Grand End her ass back to Heaven!" Angel speaks as she turns her back on ElderG walking towards the rest. Suddenly at that moment, she felt the presence of her lost bracelets within that area where they are standing. "My bracelets!!! I can sense them!!" "What? Are you sure? Where?" Reiz starts looking around, as if trying to find someone. DD too, follow suit. Xs too, started looking around, even though he has no idea what the rest is looking for, "What bracelets?"

"You lost your bracelets, Angel? When? How? Impossible!!" ElderG exclaimed.

"None of your business! Keep your ass of mine! YOU!! XS!! I felt the presence from you!! COME HERE!!!""HUH? Me? Wha..?" Xs looks surprised. Angel approached him, “You got my bracelets! Give me back or I’ll make sure you die a painful and slow death!" Stepping back from her, confused, Xs asked, "What... what are you talking about? What bracelets?" With no warning, suddenly ElderG and Reiz leap from their spot and launched themselves towards Xs, with their weapon ready in hand. ElderG reached Xs first, took aim and swing his Soul towards Xs, Reiz stop short from reaching Xs and send spell straight towards the both of them, hitting both down onto the ground. ElderG, surprised by the attack, "Hei! Watch where you are aiming!" Reiz, smirking, replied “Why should I? I am aiming at both of you anyways." Just as he ended his speech, another stronger spell flew straight towards the both of them, ElderG uses Soul to deflect the spell, not knowing Xs was just behind him, using him as a shield. "Fuh, that was close. Thanks for blocking me." ElderG was really surprised to find Xs behind him, spoke to himself "When did he reach behind me?" He took another swing at Xs, but Xs took two steps back, dodging him easily. Before ElderG could take another calculated attack on Xs, Reiz send another spell flying towards him. ElderG tries to deflect it, but the spell was beyond his ability to do so, he took the full blown of the spell, landing on the ground with all his four limbs. Reiz, on another hand, looks very surprised, as he send two of the very same spell towards both ElderG and Xs, but Xs dodge his spell easily while ElderG couldn't. His suspicion towards Xs grew even more.

"Waaa!! Angel!! He is trying to kill me!!" Xs pointing at Reiz. Angel was surprised to find Xs behind him, but was quick to recover and turn around, grabbing Xs's hand, "Hand me my bracelets or I’ll Grand End you this instance!" "I swear I’ve got no idea what you are talking about!!!"

The rest were totally surprised as they found Xs behind Angel in just a second. Even Reaper was caught in curiosity, as the speed was beyond any human capability, "Not even a demon could move that fast... He is very dangerous, beware of him DD." "I don't need you to tell me! He almost kills me just now!"

Angel instantly lifts up Xs's sleeve and saw her bracelets there. Starring madly at him, "How are you going to explain this?!" At the same time she was utterly shocked to find Xs able to wear her bracelets. Xs, looking totally surprised, "Huh? These are yours?" Then suddenly, at the same time, both of them exclaimed, "YOU!!!" Xs speaks first, "You are that steel lady I bumped into the other day. I remember you were alone, shopping with that guy," pointing his finger at Jester. Angel looks at Jester, who is now looking confused. Reiz and ElderG immediately starred at Jester, with a threatening look. Jester, panicked, quickly hide behind Bean and Devanna, who were standing nearby. Before anybody could say anything, Xs spoke, "Wait! Stop!! Time Out! Listen to me first!" DD nearly jump out of his skin when he hears the voice coming from behind him, even Reaper was surprised. "WAAA!!!" Angel turns around and finds herself no longer holding Xs, surprised, "When did he escape?" DD tries to get away from Xs, but before he could do anything, Xs puts his hand s around DD, grabbing him tightly from behind. "AH!!! Let go! Let go!"

Xs speaks, "Now that you cannot Grand End me, would you please listen to me?" "This guy is either a coward or he is really smart," ElderG spoke in annoyance. Bean, who has maintained his silence all the while, spoke, "Angel, let him speak, we'll hear what he has to say. If we don't like it," he cracks his finger and continues, "I'll personally kill him." Angel finds that there is no other ways, nodded, "Speak."

"Okay. Three things to say. First, I am a thief, I stole your bracelets, and I have the tendencies of forgetting whom I steal from and what I stole. Secondly, I am sorry. Thirdly, PKEASE GET IT OF ME!! I look gay with these on!!"

Everyone were dumfounded when they heard the last sentence. Bean speaks, "I'll personally kill you, dammit!" Devanna holds him back, "At least he is honest enough to tell the truth. And to be honest, he does look gay with those bracelets." Everyone else, still speechless, Xs looks at Angel and says, "Well?"

"First, those bracelets are not supposed to be able to come of, even by myself. Second, no one is supposed to be able to wear it, except me. Wait! Why am I talking like you? Argh!! Okay, let's get this straight, you come here and let me remove those bracelets." Xs immediately intercepts, "With one condition, you cannot chop of my hand and cannot Grand End me." DD blurted out, "That's two condition, you thief!" "Right! Okay, two condition then." Bean, extremely annoyed, "I'll kill him!!" Elodia couldn't help herself but laughed out loud, "This guy is damned funny!" Jester replied, "There's nothing funny about him. He is extremely dangerous. Didn't you notice everyone let their guard down for a split second? With that inhuman speed of his, he could easily take down one of us at that moment." Suddenly, hearing Jester's words, Bean came to his sense and realized that he actually let his guard down. Thinking to himself, "I must be extra alert from now onwards. One more mistake and it will cost our lives."

"Fine! Whatever! Just give me back my bracelets. Come!" Angel sounded annoyed, but there's a hint of calmness in it. She seems to take Xs lightly, in fact too lightly. Reiz and ElderG responded at the same time, "NO!! I don't trust him! He is dangerous!" And the both of them starred at each other and quickly look away. Xs walk towards Angel, while pointing at them, "Wow, they actually agreed on something!" "Ya, ya, whatever. Come here. Let me remove those bracelets. Come, Hurry up." Angel seems totally relax, not guarding herself at all. Bean looks at Reiz and ElderG, who seems to be whispering to each other, "Shit! He did it again. He is mocking me!! Must be! That bastard!" Bean seems very furious as he let down his guard, again. Elodia finally realized how dangerous Xs is. He has the ability to easily distract people. Just a moment ago, this place was full of eeriness, tensed and extremely hostile, but right after he spoke, the atmosphere totally changed.

"Hem... weird, it doesn't come off. Impossible... wait, let me try again. Removing spell should be able to do it." "Wait! Wait! Wait! Does the spell remove the bracelets only or my hand as well?" "Idiot, of course it'll remove just the bracelets! I promised you your stupid conditions, remember?" "Oh, right! Okay." Angel chanted a spell, trying to remove the bracelets, while DD speaks to Reaper, "Are you sure this guy is dangerous?" "Didn't you listen to Jester?" "..." Ariel spoke for the first time, "There is something odd about him. He seems to have a holy glow within him." "You must be kidding me! He is a thief! That's nothing holy about that!" "But to be able to wear the bracelets, one must be of Holy descendent." Both DD and Reaper remain silence after hearing the statement.

"... Why is it not coming off?" Xs complained. SMACK! "Shut up! Let me concentrate!" "You are not supposed to hit me!!" "It's not in the condition, so shut up!" Angel sends another smack onto his head. Xs, regretting, "I should have said not to harm me in anyway instead..." "Too late! Now, how come these bracelets don’t come off? Weird." "Huh? Then? How? How? I don't want to wear it!!" The rest were too dumbfounded to say anything, watch the two of them in confusion. Angel seems to be not guarding herself at all, in fact she seems totally comfortable with Xs, as if she trusted him fully, even after he had taken DD as hostage twice. It surprised them as Angel has not trusted anyone, especially after the incident with ElderG, yet she seems to be able to trust Xs a lot.

"Argh! You are coming to the Convent with me! They should know how to take these off."

"Huh? Who? Where? Is it dangerous? Will it harm me?"

SMACK!

"Stop being such a coward!" Xs, holding his swollen head, "I am fragile, you know."

SMACK!

But this time, Xs tilted his head slightly to the left. Angel, not expecting him to dodge, lost her balance and falls onto Xs. Reiz and ElderG went totally berserk seeing that, rush to help Angel up, while looking hostilely at Xs. Angel picks herself up, red-faced and said, "You are coming with me to the Convent, whether you like it or not. Else you can continue looking gay with them on." Xs screamed, "Uwaa!!! Enough with the 'gay-look' already!!"

[mistabean]

When all had settled, Bean and Devanna relaxed their guards a bit, but Bean seemed a bit disturbed, seeing how fast Xs could move. He wondered a bit about who is Xs anyway, but upon the word "Convent" escaped through Angel's mouth, Devanna intruded his mind to make him come out of his reverie, to get him back on solid ground. Bean exchanged a glance with her, sighed, and went to Elder.

He motioned him aside, apart from all of them, who were surprised by this action. Bean did not care however, and when he thought they were out of their earshot, Bean handed him a flask, the same flask he gave DD on the roof last night.

"For your return...". Elder accepted it, and took a long drink for it. Bean flinched at this, and when Elder returned it to him, he sighed ruefully, as he weighed the flask.

"And I was thinking of saving it too. Oh well I got more in my backpack...", and took a long swig from it. After he had finished it, he put the flask back at his waist, and looked out to the lands upon him. For a moment, the silence was bliss for both of them, as they tried to clear their thoughts of what laid ahead. Then, Bean started...

"Me and Devanna are not going to Convent"

Elder doesnt seemed quite disturbed by this, his face remained impassive. "And why is that?"

"We got issues with them actually. The time is not ripe for us to go there yet, especially for Devanna". Again Elder's face doesnt show any surprise from this.

"Why tell me alone? Why not tell all of them?" A question that Bean didnt expect. He had expected Elder to press him more on the issue, but this 'why' is totally different. Bean readjusted his thinking, before replying to it.

"Angel seemed angry the last time we mentioned it, and the others... well they didnt know much, I supposed. Including DD... To tell you the truth, I am glad you came back. If I got these kind of things on my mind, I feel more comfortable discussing it with you..."

Elder remained silence for a while. He looked at Bean, and Bean at him. Their eyes locked in each other, as if they were assessing each other, trying to figure out how much they have grown, how much they have changed, how much they have suffered after they had separated. Elder's hand fidgeted with Soul's hilt, while Bean grasped the Black Staff a bit hard, both of them longing to cross sword and magic with each other, to find out to what extent both of them had grown.

The tense feeling had even spreaded out to the group, who had remained silence, and watched them with apprehension. Each of them prepared something in case Elder draw his Soul, and Bean launched his aura. Suddenly both of them burst out laughing, while patting each other on the back. All of them were suddenly confused by this, except for Angel and DD, who seemed to understand the situation.

"Do as you wish, you fool of a sorceror. Just dont faint around anymore, ok? There is no one that going to wake you up when you doing that..." Elder blurted out.

"Heh, the same goes to you, you dumb Keeper. How do you expect a lady to love you if you are running off to nowhere? Just stick with them this time, ok..." Bean replied, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes.

Both of them turned towards the group, Elder started making his way there. But Bean stood there, eyeing his companions one by one, as if he was burning an imprint on his mind, every single one of them. They had gone a lot with each other, all started with the attack and destruction of King's City. Sirroth almost suffered the same fate too, but this was denied with their quickness to react when dangers arises. Certainly a group of people that can be trusted, and most of all respected, as Lissath would say. Bean's eyes went towards Devanna, and she went to him. Angel, finally realizing what is happening, was fuming.

"Looks like you both made up your mind of not going to the Convent with us now do you?? Fine! Be that way then!!"

Bean sighed again, it is hard to please a Priestess, especially when you are on the other side of Light. But then again, they too had some questions that needed to be answered. Giving the others a wave of farewell, they started towards the east... but then Elder called out to them..

"Hey you guys. Could you guys to Voliskeel after you have finished with your business or whatever?"

Both of them didnt turn to look, but Bean gave Elder a thumb-up, signifiying that both of them will be there when the time comes.

***

"Such simple goodbye huh?" Devanna started when Bean finished giving his thumbs-up.

"I never wanted long goodbye, it was not like we are not going to see them again. Just a little parting..."

"So, where are we heading then?"

"First, to the southeast... The Tower of Karthok... After that, south... to Aranda"

[Jester]

Eyeing the departure of Bean and Devanna, Jester and Elodia walked away from the group, while the others gather up and sat down for a little rest. ElderG still insist on talking to Angel, but Angel, still fumed, avoided his eye. Reiz too help cover up. Xs and DD do nothing but stare.

"You can't possibly mean..." Jester blurted out.
"Yes. There's something really wrong with that lil boy there. His speed is abnormal, too abnormal for a small kid like him to possess."
"And his power of distraction. He's not just a little thief that steals stuff, he is far stronger than that." Added Jester.
"The worse is I can't sense ANYTHING from him. Not even a slight aura power." said Elodia.

Suddenly, Angel's screaming came from behind, "Hey you two! Are you two coming or what!!??"
Jester nodded his head and both of them walked towards the big group. Angel and the others turned around and headed towards their destination. Jester and Elodia gave Xs a glare. Xs turned and walk away, Elodia then immediately pulled Jester back and did a small dance.

"Shadow", and a small patch of black dot appear on the floor, Elodia pulled Jester and both of them sink into the shadow. She throws a piece of paper into the air and the patch of black dot closes up. Angel still fumed turned around to hurry the people up until she notices the piece of paper on the floor. Reiz went to pick it up and on it written:

Jester and me is going to do some job, we'll meet up with you guys pretty soon in front.

Reiz and Angel, feeling all funny and weird, continue walking. DD on the other hand, was talking to Reaper in his mind.

"What the hell happened to them?" asked DD.
"I sense a slight aura behind us just now and then *poof* nothing more." explained the Reaper.
"...Nevermind then, let's go."

On the other hand, Jester and Elodia are floating in the Shadow.
"What's this, Sis?"
"The Realm of the Shadow. Normally, this is my power used to assassinate or ambush people. See, you can see the people up there clearly, but they can't even feel the slightest aura in you."
"Wow, this is so cool, Sis. Why are we here?"
"To get away from the people a little bit. I don't like how they treat us as if we're like just a bunch of craps following them around."
"...right..."

After walking long, Angel and group reached a path with trees, they see 2 shadows lying against a tree. "Who goes there!?" exclaimed Reiz.

"It's us."

"Jester and Elodia, so you two finished your 'job'?" asked Reiz.
"Yea, pretty much."

They continue walking then....

--------------------------------------
Edited.

[mistabean]

Night came, taking the place of day. The moon shines brightly, as if trying to emulate the sun, who is taking the break that he deserves. A small village had already prepared to welcome the night. Farmers came back from their fields, shepards came back with their flock of sheep or cattle, to the welcoming smell of freshly cooked dinner. Childrens parted with their friends, with a promise that they would play together again. After dinner, some of the men went out to the bar for a drink with longtime friends, to talk about the good old days. Mothers listened patiently as their children tells what they have done that day, or some would tell them stories of the old legends, coaxing the children to sleep. A young girl sneaked out of the house, although knowing that she would get into neverending trouble, to meet her man on the side of the forests. She succeeded in this, and they watched the night sky together, and time would seem to them as it had stopped, their worries vanished within each other embrace.

It was supposed to be that way, if not for the sound of a broken branch that came from the forest. Alarmed, the man quickly shield her maiden with his body, his short sword already drawn, whispering words of comfort to her. Then came a sight that both of them wouldn't forget.

A short man, scars on his travel-worn face, holding a staff as black as ebony, together with a young woman, with gentle eyes and long black hair, holding a staff as white as snow, suddenly appearing before their eyes. The man eyed them with sharp eyes, yet with a strangely mischievous grin on his face. Both of them couldn't be older than I am, the young man thought. Yet as they asked where the inn is, it was filled with knowledge. It almost thought that their travels had matured them faster.

The man pointed them the way, and they left, not before the man gave a little chuckle and a sly wink. The pair made their way to the inn, paid for a night's lodging and also some dinner. The locals eyed them suspiciously at first, but after they deemed them as another travellers, they left them alone and continue their chat. After they have eaten, the man gladly joined the mens of the village for a round of drink, toasted them to their good health and peace, while his companion just shook her head and went upstairs to rest.

-------

Devanna was lost in thought when Bean came in. She turned, and found that Bean was slightly drunk. But Devanna knew better, no matter how drunk he is, a part of him would never gave in. He needed that part to always stay alert, for trouble could spew out of nowhere.

"Had fun?" she began testily. Bean doesnt reply back, only gave a small sigh, before collapsing down to the floor next to where she was seated. His eyes suddenly went alert, all traces of drunkness suddenly disappeared.

"You want to know why we are going back to the Tower, right? It was written on your face all along the way". Devanna doesnt answer this. Bean had just hit the bullseye on this one, since the mind-linking is random.

"I don't know what Jorah told you about Karthok, but I wouldn't believe it until I saw the truth with my own eyes. But the main reason for me would be if I could find some answers there first... Clues about the Convent's action, clues about this man Gibbaroul, and just who the heck is Hizbal and Arakan." Devanna kept her silence. She wanted to know the truth, yet dreaded if the truth would shatter her soul.

"And also, though I doubt this would be unlikely, I want to find some spellbooks that I could use, and maybe you too. And that is the reason why we are going to the Tower and Aranda." Devanna kept on silence, reliving the words that Jorah had used on her, saying how her father is now... dead. Then...

"Gibb's dead, don't you feel sadness for him?" Bean's stoic mask waver for a moment, but didnt break. But he didn't answer her question, only looking at the ceiling above him.

"Better get some sleep, we would be leaving early tomorrow. Oh yeah before I forgot, I was meant to give you this, just a request from an acquitance..." Bean evaded the question and gave her the angel necklace that he wore around his neck. Devanna took it, and gazed at it for a long time. She was about to ask some more question, but Bean was already fast asleep on the floor, snoring loudly.

[ElderG]

“She’s late…” ElderG lamented to no one in particular. It was already high noon and still there was no sign of Zodiac anywhere. Grace may be a little low on punctuality but if she decided the time, she would be here there the spot. After all, her reputation was at stake and god forbid if anything would happen to it. Still, the fact remains that…

“She’s late…”

“Shut up and help me with this, you stupid keeper.” Angel ordered. Even if he loved her, there was no denying it; she was a stubborn one. Reasoning with here was like trying to reason with a tree to make in move; she simply won’t budge. Reiz is a testament to that. Even after he explained the situation to her, she insisted… no ORDERED them to get onto Femara for the trip to the convent. Elder was now divided in the placement of his sympathy; for them or for the red dragon.

“Look Angel, the costal typhoons will rip us of Femara. Besides, it is a long way to the convent and Femara won’t survive the journey, much less us.” Reiz informed her for the forth most time. And he wasn’t alone. Both Jester and DD were trying to convince the priestess to stop her doomed plans but with no avail. Elder, knowing the futility of trying to reason with Angel just watched silently.

“Costal typhoons be dammed! If they stand in my way, I’ll just Grand End them away!” she exclaimed, frustrated that they were still against her plans.

Elder sighed and walked towards her. “For a priestess, you seem to have the mindset that anything can be solved with force of might.”

Angel’s eye twitched. “Oh, so you are against me also. Well, if it’s a beating you want, I’ll gladly give you it.” She was really pushing it and this time it went too far.

The pain lingered on; bring forth a torrent of thoughts. As her hand moved her slightly redden cheek, she stared wide eyed to the perpetrator. She could hear the silent gasps made by DD, Art, Xs, Jester and Elodia as well as the fuming rage of Reiz. ElderG just stood in front of her, his face devoid of any expression.

“W…why?” she started softly.

“Something had to bring you back to Earth. It seems that you’re full of pride; pride created from your increasing powers. And the same pride is blinding you. Start thinking rationally for once; power doesn’t always solve your problems.” He then turned and walked away.

After a short pause, Angel began. “Y… you hurt me. Again. I HAT--”

Doubling back, Elder angrily interrupted Angel. “If that is what it takes to wake you up, then I’ll have to hurt you again! Its better then watching you hurt yourself because of your failure to think!”

Silence prevailed for a moment and in the tensed atmosphere, it was more then welcomed. DD, fearing a repeat of the events that lead to Elder’s departure, tried to salvage the rapidly deteriorating relationship.

“Uh… we seem short on supplies. Elder, since you weren’t with us when we… trashed the town, you should be able to get them for us. I’ll be… uh… following to help you carry the stuff.” He then approached Elder and whispered into his ear. “Maybe you should give her time to cool off. Same can be said about you.”

ElderG didn’t give that idea a second thought. “Sounds like a plan.”

~*~

“Uh… so tell me how your home is?” Even DD noticed the Elder had changed although what the change was eluded him. Still DD was confident that if Elder tried anything, Reaper will be there to help him out.

“Hmmm…” Elder raised his head in thought. “It was a nice place to live in; people fighting everyday, rivals everywhere, a mixture of chaos and order, and most kids don’t survive pass 6. Those who do, fortunately, live quite long. But death is just as uncertain as life itself.”

DD stopped walking and looked at Elder flabbergasted, “You call that a nice place to live in? I… I can’t imagine growing up in a place like that.”

Elder continued head-on without slowing or turning back. “Don’t. I was born a Keeper and thus lived a life of a Keeper. Those who live outside won’t understand.”

‘Still, I wonder if that’s true.’ DD thought in his mind.

‘Believe every word.’ The Reaper replied in his usual, deep voice. As this was unexpected, DD’s heart momentarily stopped.

‘Could you at least warn me before doing that?’

‘Now, that wouldn’t be much fun, would it? Besides, to answer your curious inquiry, his description of Voliskeel is very accurate, although missing a few points.’ The Reaper explained.

‘How would you know? Don’t tell me you were once a Keep—‘

‘Sometimes I wonder how you can come up with such conclusions.’ From his tone, DD could imagine him rolling his eyes. ‘I’ve been there once, or should I say, fought there once. Barely escaped alive too. That place is a fortress made to hold out against the relentless onslaughts of both Heaven and Hell, together. Why it was made that way will forever elude me.’

DD was stunned. ‘You almost died there? But… that’s impossible.’

‘Strangely, the strongest there would be humans. The protection powers they employ are so strange I can’t even begin to describe them.’

‘Magic? But you would dispel them with one wave, rite?’

‘Calling them magic would only be half true. In truth, in its ten thousand year existence, no one has been able to classify the powers that protect the city. I don’t think the Keepers themselves know how their protection power works. I hope you are smart enough to put two and two together.’

“If you don’t know what it is, how can you stop it?” DD thought aloud, catching the attention of ElderG.

“You said something?” he asked. As DD shock his head rather vigorously, Elder took that as a definite no.

~*~

The first thing that greeted them was Reiz’s enraged demeanor. Art wasn’t looking too pleased himself while the others just shrugged. “Even if you brought her to her senses, you still slapped her. That deserves punishment.” he said menacingly.

ElderG passed him unfazed. “Do what ever you like. But remember what I said before; I won’t allow it to pass easily.” He eased off the load he was carrying and prepared for the ‘punishment’ he so rightfully deserved.

“Why you—”

“Enough!” Angel spoke in her usual commanding voice. As she approached them, the group silenced themselves.

“But Angel—” Reiz tried to protest, but was drowned out.

“I said enough!” she repeated, this time louder making sure the message was relayed to the intended receivers. She then turned to ElderG. “My plan may be suicidal but nothing would make me get unto that black contraption. I’m not going to ask for help from someone that has threatened me before.”

ElderG sighed. At least I’m making progress he thought. “If so, please grace us with a brilliant plan that would safely bring us to our destination and back.”

Angel caught the message fast. “There is none… But still--”

“Like it or not, it’s the only way.” A voice interrupted, causing everyone to turn to the source. The owner of the voice was sited crossed legged on a barrel of supplies happily munching on a half eaten apple. Makes you wonder how long she’s been there.

“Whe…Where did she come from?” Angel asked, stunned. This earned her stares from everyone except DD and Xs. While she was still contemplating her actions before, the rest had detected Grace’s aura as she teleported in.

“She’s been there all this time.” Jester answered. “Maybe you’ve been so deep in thought you didn’t notice--”

“Stuff it” Angel punctuated, directing her anger at Jester. Her order clearly received, Jester keep his mouth shut. While she wasn’t personally angry at Jester, it was embarrassing that she was the only one that didn’t detect grace’s arrival.  

“Where the hell were you? You said midday.” Elder questioned his sister. She, however, waited until the apple was gone before answering.

“I was on the other side of the world and I forgot to set the time. Anyway, I’m not that late, only about 2 hours off.” That was all Elder needed to hear.

“You know, if this were to break to the people back home--”

“You’ll be eating your balls if you ever try that.” She gave a menacing glare, causing Elder to flinch back. Feeling satisfied with the reaction, she then jumped off the barrel and moved towards the crowd.

“If you’re traveling on my ship, there some rules you’ll observe.” She announced. “One. Don’t wonder around the ship. Don’t THINK you can wonder around the ship. I’ll know. Don’t think I WON’T know. Two. Your cabins are on deck 7 and unless you have my permission, I expect you all to be ON deck 7 at all times. Three. You have access to deck 6, 8 and the veranda deck but you may only enter those decks if you inform me. Four. Food is served in the mess hall which is on deck 7. Times will be informed. Late comers can eat dust for all I care. Five. The bridge is on deck 7 so if you need to inform me of anything, come to the bridge. Six. Don’t TOUCH anything unless I say you can. Break any of these rules and I’ll happily see you try to fly. If you CAN fly, fly all you want but don’t expect a blissful flight. Any questions?”

“One more rule and I’m voting for Angel’s suicide plan.” Xs whispered to DD. Thankfully, Grace didn’t hear that or she chose to ignore it. The lingering silence presented her with the answer and she smiled to that.

“No questions? Then welcome aboard.”

[Angel]

The wind is blowing softly that day. Flocks of crane flew low below the Zodiac, forming different type of formation, entertaining themselves. Angel stood at the deck, looking down, bored. She has been standing there since they boarded the ship, much to her dislike. She doesn't welcome the return of ElderG into her life again... no matter what is the reason behind his return, she has no interest in finding out. For her, it doesn't matter anymore, she'll go to the Convent to ressurect Ariel and leave after that, without ElderG and his snob of a sister of course.

"How long are you planning to stay here? I am bored..."

Angel turn around to see Xs sitting next to where she is standing, yawning. Suprised at why he was there, she asked, "What are you doing here?"

"... Accompanying you... What do you think i am doing?"

He is acting strange again... just like he did when he first walked into her room back at the inn in Sirroth. Somehow, he doesn't seems to be the blur and annoying Xs they all sees at all time, here, he is totally another person. Angel observes him, as he looks at her. Suddenly, his reaction changes.

"So? So? Are you going to play with me? I am bored, I can't do anything here at all..." He looks at her, anciously, as if waiting for her to say yes. Angel understood that he is trying to cheer her up, and somehow, she appreciates it a lot. She nodded and smile at him.

"YAY!!!" He got up and start pulling Angel around, laughing happily.

"Wait! Wait! WAIT!!!" He stopped, looks at her and waited, "You are making me dizzy... can't you play something else instead? Cards?"

"Cards? Sure!" Xs put down his backpack and start rumaging into it, looking for cards game to play. Inside him, he was feeling glad that Angel is smilling again. He needs to make sure she is in good shape, else he'll have trouble to do anything, as the rest did not trust him a bit, only Angel trusted him. And he need her to back him up.

"Ehem..."

Xs look up and found ElderG standing behind Angel, signalling for her attention, but Angel doesn't seems to notice him, or she chooses to ignore him. Xs looks at Angel, trying to see what she will do but she is obviously ignoring ElderG, as she looks at Xs smilling, "So, have you found anything interesting yet?"

"Errrr... He... "

"Nothing?" She looks at him, with a slightly dissapointed expression.

"Angel, we need to talk. Xs right? Will you mind giving us some privacy for a while?" ElderG spoke. He sounded urgent.

"Let's go play in room. It's kinda windy here," Angel pulls Xs up and start leading him back into the cabin. ElderG grabs Angel's arm to stop her.

"Will you stop avoiding me for once and listen to me? Why is it so hard for us to even talk? All I wanted is to explain something, and you woiuldn't even bother to listen? How long are we going to keep going on like this? ... Please... just once, let me explain..."

".... Sorry, Xs. Looks like we have to delay the game a bit. Don't worry, i'll be back soon, why don't you go and wait for me in my cabin? Here, this is my key," She handed her room key to Xs. Xs looks at the both of them and turn around, walking towards Angel's cabin.

Angel walks towards the deck and stood there. ElderG follows suit and stand next to her. He looks at her, observing her for a while before he started.

"You've lost some weight... you seems thinner now..." ElderG trying to start the conversation.

Angel did not responsed, she continues starring at the blue sky ahead. ElderG knowing that she won't response, spoke, "I just want you to know that I here to protect you. I know I have hurt you deeply in the past, I regreted it. That's why I am here... and I don't ever wants to hurt you anymore. I am still a keeper, I have my duty to fulfill... but protecting you is my primary consent now. All I am asking is for you to forgive me and give me a chance to ... "

"Why? Why did you kill her? What have she done to you?"

"I am a Keeper, thus I have to fulfill my duty. It was an order from the guild that I cannot ignore."

"... Then go... i cannot forgive you for what you have done. I cannot accept you neither, not after what you have done to me. Just go... go away and don't come back. I don't want to see you anymore."

"... I know you won't forgive me that easily. Give me a chance to proof myself, that's all i am asking... I..." ElderG has never been good in words and he never bother, but now, he really hopes he can talk to her, at least she could hears him instead of him trying so hard to say something but couldn't. In the end, "I am sorry..."

"Proof yourself of what? I have seen enough of you. You are just a Keeper who will blindy follows the order of your beloved guild, with no regards to anyone's else life. All you care about is your Keeper's guild and that's it. You don't have to come back and proof yourself, because you won't have the chance to do it. Go back to where you belongs and let me live my life peacefully. I don't need someone like you to protect me. I'll rather die. So, go away!"

"... You knew how much I care for you and you care for me too. Else you won't have been so sad until now. If I am of no importance to you, then why are you still angry at me? Stop lying to yourself. I did a bad mistake once, I am a human too, why can't you give a chance to correct it? You trusted some stranger yet you wouldn't even care to looks me in your eyes, after so long i returned?"

"If you are talking about Xs, yes, I'll rather trust him than you, at least he didn't not kills my friends. And you? What makes you think that i care about you? I hated you so much, I would have killed you if I could..."

"But you couldn't. I think we both know why, and I don't think I have to mention it. Just... give me one chance, just one... can you?" He stepped closer and embrace Angel in his arms. Angel kept quiet... tears were slipping off her eyes, she is still taking the full blown of the dead of her friend and the betrayal of the man she loves. She did not know what she should do anymore. She has revenge to claim and yet... yes... revenge...

"I'll take that as a yes then..." ElderG looks at her, waiting for her to response, but she did not, all she did was keeping her silence and not looking at him at all. It pains ElderG that he has her in his arms, and yet he is still so far away from her, not being able to interpret her and understand her. But he knows one thing for sure, life will be smoother from now onwards, and he'll have a lot of catching ups and homeworks to do.

[DayDreamerz]

DD stared at the ceiling. All he got was a stare back from the ceiling. Looking out of the porthole proved useless too, for only the clouds greeted him back. Whatever entusiasm he had when he first boarded the ship had been drained dry, thanks to the bland surrounding of the cabin he was put in. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the room, fully furnished to meet a guest's needs. That was the root of DD's displeasure, for there was nothing worthwhile for him to do. He was bored, bored of his cabin, bored from the lack of activities to do and definitely bored of all the restrictions placed by Grace on their movement onboard her ship. DD had enjoyed learning since his young age, and that has not diminished yet. The ship was special, it was not somethign of common occurences. That fueled his desire to explore. Grace just had to doused the flames with her restrictions and DD was displeased with that. Finally deciding to move to the observation deck for a breath of fresh air and a change of scenery, he left his cabin.
   
   Just before reaching teh exit of the hallway leading to the observation deck, he could hear voices from people discussing. There he saw ElderG and an irate Angel having a little discussion, not noticing he was around. He stood there for the meanwhile, unsure of what to do.

   "Eavesdropping is not a respectable thing to do." cried Ariel, obviously not condoning DD's action. They both needed some time and privacy to mend their strained relations, evident since ElderG returned to their lives, and DD's interruption would possibly make it an uncomfortable 3 day journey for those around them. No one knew what happened between both of them, and it was best to be left alone if they were uncomfortable with sharing it, continued Ariel.
   
   "It would have taken place behind closed doors then" answered DD, trying to present a case to support his actions. Only when Ariel pressed on did DD give in. After all, with the gale winds at this altitude blowing, he couldn't really make out what they were discussing clearly. All he could hear was bits and pieces from their conversations. From that, he vaguely concluded that Angel was upset about someone's death while ElderG was carrying out his duties.

   Back at square one, DD was left with nothing to do again. The cabin was dull, the observation deck was occupied and the rest of the ship was off limits to them. His thoughts of sneaking around the ship were shot down by Ariel even before they could take flight, a seeming intrusion of his mind. It was unfitting of someone who was teaching another to respect one's privacy, but DD chose not to dwell on it. Ariel was worried that their aura may  just tip off Grace of their position no matter what they did. Being guests on someone else's ship , it would be unwise to tick off the host, especially if they're going to depend on the host for the following days. Just before he was resigned to kill time by napping in his cabin, he realised that there was one more place to explore - The dining hall. Grace didnt place any restrictions on it, albeit only a warning that slowpokes won't get dinner. DD then headed off for the dining hall in search of something to do, or at least getting something to keep his stomach occupied.
-------------------------------------
Synopsis -~> DD overheard bits and parts of Angel and ElderG's discussion and came to his own conclusion. Then he heads to the dining hall to find something to do, or the least getting something to eat.