Terra Chapter Two: Times and Men Long Forgotten

[Krylo]

Minutes ticked by slowly, and time seemed to drag on forever. The queen left the room for a few minutes and came back with a pitcher of water and a few rags, which she used to tend to the woman beyond the veil of sheer curtains, but that was the only distraction alotted to Zephyr. The guards did not speak, and the queen, presuming him to be a criminal from the way the guards acted with him, dared not enter into conversation with him either. Slightly over a half hour had ticked by on the large clock before the King returned.

Both of the guards saluted and bowed, being met by a raised eyebrow from the obviously exhausted monarch.

"Your Majesty, this man sold the explosives to the terrorist who attempted to assassinate the royal family and our honored guests," one of the guards said in answer to the king's unanswered question.

(OOC: JAD, message me on AIM tomorrow and we'll do the rest of the interrogation. I've decided that I don't feel like giving any clues to the true nature of things you may receive here away... and I think that's about it that I can do right now--IC, when you get to the guard house you can RP the guard's letting you in.)

[Mintaro]

OOC: Ok, let see how this works. I'm trying to find the style for this character. Tell me what you think.


After leaving the rubble of his home Palimont began to wander the streets of Kalidan. His wandering took him into a very bad part of the city unfortunately.

"Cold." He thought to himself "Cold and sad." A man in a heavy brown coat looked at the large creature from his hiding spot in an alley grabbing hold of his knife he looked ready to spring but then thought better of it and moved deeper into the shadows. "No go, go bad..." he mumbled to himself. "Nice woman go. I be big sad. Sad and mean!" He Growled the last part slamming one fist into the other. The resounding slap it made echoed in the mostly empty streets. He clenched his fists causing his muscles to bulge. He wanted to 'be mean and attack' but he also didn't want to make 'who that be nice be dead.'

After several minutes of wrestling with his emotions. Debating between "be good" or "be bad" began to tire him. "Be bad" was starting to win.

His face turned into that of an angry beast as he walked down the street. Keeping any traffic well away from him. That is until he met with some town guards. The two took one look at him and the expression on his face and knew what they had to do. They moved in front of him and took up defensive positions. The first one shouted "Halt! State your business!"

Palimont had no idea what they were saying. But he did recognize the clothes. He remembered 'Nice woman' telling him 'No attack, good men.' She told him it every time they saw people dressed like that. So he stopped. He gave them a very confused look as he tried to understand what they were saying.

The two guards looked at each other. It was then the lead of the two remembered that Ligers were exceptionally stupid. The first guard explained to his Friend. "He's one of those Ligers. Big brutes with muscles like an ox. They're stupid as rocks though."

All Palimont could understand was "Blah one of blah blah. Big blah blah blah blah blah blah. Blah Stupid blah rock blah." His expression became more puzzled as he tried to connect what the 'one' was that was 'big' 'stupid' and 'rock'. When he saw the man point at him and laugh he understood it a little.

"No stupid!" He said loudly, growling. "No stupid!" He said again. He had been called stupid enough to know when someone said the word and pointed at him. It was him they meant. The guards raised there weapons at Palimont.

"Hold it you big brute!" The man said. "You stay right there. You take one swing at us and we'll give you the kind of punishment you should have gotten as a whelp!"

Palimont got the words he needed out of that one. 'Hold it you big...you stay..you...one....us and...you...of punish.' At punish he stopped growling and started looking scared. "No punish." He said. Then Looking as submissive as a giant cat like face can allow, "I be good."

"Come with us and 'no punish'." The guard said once he was sure the brute was under control. Taking up positions in front of and behind the large liger they began to lead him to a guard house to see if anyone had "lost their pet."

[CheshireThief]

From a bit down the road, Cerrave Tarre stopped his pondering what he was going to do about needing extra brawn for the undertaking about to take place. He heard some loud growling and angry sounding voices and looked up to see a Liger being harrassed by some guards.

This sort of thing always seems to happen just when you need it to...

Quickly, just as the Liger began looking scared and it seemed as if he was being arrested, Cerrave Tarre, dropping his guise of Red Scarlett, ran up to the guards.

"Oh thank you! I've been looking all over for him!"

He winked at the Liger, hoping he would understand to play along. Nevertheless, he spoke quickly to avoid having the brute speak and thus ruin the plan.

"You see, this Liger is my pet. I told him to stay put while I went in the shop and buy some supplies, but you know. They NEVER listen. Really, I should have known better. So, I hope this will be enough compensation."

He slipped each of the guards a silver coin and grabbed the Liger by the arm.

"Come along now. We don't want you getting in any more trouble, now do we?" He quickly pulled the beast back towards the city gates, hoping to speak with the Liger outside the city walls.

[Mintaro]

Palimont got confused when the fox man grabbed his arm. The wink just doubled his confusion. But the mans tone didn't seem angry. He understood very little of what the fox man said, as he spoke far to quickly. When he started getting pulled away from the guards he got worried though. 'Come' was clear when combined with the pulling motion however. "I no be bad. I good." He told the fox man as he followed him "You no punish I?" He asked, seeming rather confused that the 'good men' were now letting him walk away with someone else.

[CheshireThief]

Cerrave stopped and smiled at the Liger.

"No punishment for you, my friend. I am a good guy. I saved you. Would you like to be my friend?"

By this time, they were standing just outside the city gates, and Cerrave pulled the Liger with him as he stood in a secluded shadow outside the city walls.

[The Kneumatic Pnight]

Azrel stood against the wall, ignoring the group of people in the bar almost in its entirety. His eyes and mind were focused mostly on a thin book he held in one hand while he drank with the other. A few tidbits of conversation still caught his ears though, one in particular from a voice he couldn't quite pin down.

"...I happen to have a plan that may benefit anyone who gets involved. It will require a team effort and a bit of trekking, but I think..." was all he heard between his lack of attention and the other sounds of the Lioness' Den, but the probable meaning of this phrase, along with it's true impact, crystallized in his mind with a sudden feeling. This feeling was the motion of magical energies in the kind of intentional way that always made Azrel's mind snap firmly into focus.

He looked up and saw a Kitsune stride out of the Lioness' Den, the kitsune he had seen earlier. And, he was reasonably sure, the one he had heard speaking. Though Azrel hadn't finished his drink, something told him it wasn't so important now... call it intuition.

Leaving behind his still mostly full mug, Azrel motioned for Aylyn to follow and left after the kitsune, keeping something of a long berth. By the time Azrel finally got close enough to the kitsune to follow him effectively, he was walking off with a Leiger in tow. Though he could have walked up and spoke with him, years of life in his Uncle's 'empire' had engrained in him that it was better to hold back and listen than approach, and old habbits died hard.

Besides, the whole thing seemed vaguely sinister...

[Sithdarth]

Veg smiled a toothy sightly unsettling grin and claped Azetheros on the back a bit roughly but in a good natured way. "Well friends looks like someone tried to drug me and you saved me from a horrible fate. I'd like to thank you all proper like but I'm a little low on cash and a nice fellow like you probably wouldn't accept it anyways," Veg thanked his perceived savoir before heading for the door. Before he left he stopped and bowed low to Ash. "Sorry for the all the trouble mame but I'll be getting out of your hair now," said Veg as he handed her the money for his drinks and a bit extra. She in turn told him that the Kitsune's interest in speaking with him. Veg nodded and thanked her bowing again and followed the faint scent of the fox man out to the street and towards the city gates.

[Squishy Cheeks]

Zephyr stood with military precision and saluted the king.

ooc: okie dokie

[TheBlindMime]

D'vor had looked at the mug of ale set before him by the boisterous group with a serious disdain. Spirits and the like were a damndable creation of man, they dampened the senses and clouded the mind, it brought rage into pacifists and false peace into those who were captured. D'vor had already had his fill of this brew when he was a gladiator, it kept the competitors calm outside of matches and brought their rage forth when they were confronted by an enemy.

D'vor slid the drink quietly away as he listened to the Kitsune, he merely nodded when the kitsune made mention of their meeting place. Almost as soon as Cerrave had left the rest of the group broke up and the place seemed to die down. Where do I go to kill a day... D'vor sighed.

Getting up he marched out of the building, he absent mindedly watched passerby's as he moved towards his destination. Seeing the house up ahead he sped up a little as he moved around its front door to arrive at its back. As he reached to knock his body slackened, he let out a deep sigh. He knocked four times.

The door opened quickly as Rose threw herself on the sullen tora, "I knew you couldn't resist me!" she said just before forcing her tongue down his throat.

D'vor set her down gently and had to wait for a moment before the seemingly fragile woman released him from her grip. His morose mood went unnoticed, as always. He wiped some of the extra saliva from his matted fur, before speaking, "Yeah, you know me." Rose dragged him into the home, the sound of a lock clicking into place signified the end of the night for D'vor, and it detailed all of Rose's plans. Rose was a good human woman, but she wasn't the one D'vor wanted.

[Inbred Chocobo]

As Razma kept walking, a Lupus called out to him asking about the events. Must have just come into the city, probably has no idea whats going on. Razma approached, he had places to be, he needed to get out and follow that man as fast as possible. "If you have heard the rumors, basically the king was attacked while signing a peace treaty. There was a second explosion that I have no idea how was caused though. I'm sorry, but I must cut this short, I have places to be." Razma bidded the Lupus fairwell, and left.

Razma was now approaching the castle. Seems there are quite a few guards around. The thought crossed Razma's mind absently as he approached one. "Sir, I have news of the man he did the attacks." Or at least he thought he did. He noticed a wanted poster behind him, with a sketch of a man that looked similiar to the black cloaked man. That didn't take long. Well at least I am sure now. The guard replied "Then follow me to the barracks. The captain is who you will want to speak with." The guard showed Razma in and had him seated, waiting for the captain.

[Bailey]

Ilgivan was rather surprised that anyone would do such a thing.

//surely there is a militia forming now to hunt down this vile man. Now where would they be...//

Ilgivan walked through the town looking for a bar, tavern, or something similar until he found one that, from what he could hear outside, seemed to be the forming grounds for the militia.

[Bosolai]

The pair arrived at the Lioness's den with goals in mind. To Leon's dismay, there was little need for additional healing, but it was probably for the best. And even better, before he could ask for information on the explosions, he overheard a conversation most helpful. Apparently a group was already getting together to hunt this 'steel-eyed, black-caped man.'

Leon mentioned to Yamato, "Hear the bounty-hunter group forming? Maybe we could be part of that. While the reward cut would be significantly smaller, five to ten royals for each of us would still very easily pay for our expenses for a while. What do you say?"

[Incendius]

Absently Yamato replied to Leon as he leaned down to non magically tend to a light wound on a person "Alright, lets join this group. Even 5 or so Royals is a lot of money, and this group will make it easier to find the man. And as always, if they don't help at all we can just leave them to their own devices" Standing up Yamato looked around the room and spotted the group in question. Putting a wide smile on his face he walked forward and approached their table and said with a calm and pleasant voice "I couldn't help but overhear that you were planning to search for the man responsible for the explosions, and since me and my friend here are also planning to search for him, we wondered if you would indulge us and let us join you in your search."

[Mintaro]

"No punishblah for you, blah blah. I am good blah. I blah you. Blah you blah to be my blah?" The fox man said to him. Palimont looked around to see where he was. He smiled in response mostly because he had heard that he wasn't to be punished.

"You good?" Palimont said quietly, trying to understand everything. "You be nice to me?" It was then Palimont remembered why he had been wandering around "Nice woman dead...." He said sadly. "No dead...dead bad...." He started to wander off again.

[Squishy Cheeks]

ooc: thanks krylo.

"So you are the scum who nearly killed my family." The king said looking at the motionless clock maker.

"Inadvertantly that is correct your higness, it was not my intent to do damage to your person or property my lord." Zephyr replied.

"You were a soldier in my army?" The king asked

"I was Leutenant Zephyr DeKalidan of the Royal Artilery may lord." Zephyr responded.

"Then tell me leutenant why would you be party in such treasonous behavior."

"I was unaware, your highness, of the intent of my customer. Had i known I never would have sold my product to him."

"You're product?" The king raised an eyebrow. "What exactly is this product?"

"I call it formula D75, I haven't given it a proper name. It's a way of suspending Formula 75 in a stable solution so as to move it and use it with greater ease. Formul...

"You're an Alchemist I see." The king's eyes were begining to glaze. "Please remember I'm not, could you explain this in simpler terms."

"Yes, your highness, I did not mean to confuse you. Formula 75 is a very unstable compound. It is so unstable i nearly died the first time I made it, and that was a small amount. While I was in traction I thought of ways of making it more stable. Formula 75 is hundreds of times more incendiary than gunpowder and also far easier to ignite. If it's not kept cool or in a stable environment it can explode on it's own. So I mixed it at cold temperatures with clay and formed it into sticks. This stick form is Formula D75. It was my fourth attempt at stabilization. It was these sticks I sold to the terrorists."

"Why did you sell it to them." The king was dignified, but looking rather cross with Zephyr.

"I needed to fund my research, my lord. The Royal Alchemical Society would not fund my research into anything other than research into anything other the philosopher stone. I had to find other people interested in my studies."

"So you've been making weapons and selling them illegally to our enemies." The king was barely containing his rage."

"Yes and no, my lord. Not all of my research is into military applications. I've experimented in metalurgy, and made advancements in steel production. Also formula 75 wasn't meant to be a weapon originally. It's also a medication for chest pains and heart ailments. I've invented a medication for aches and pains. Mainy of my inventions have purely benign uses. My biggest seller is an experimental medication for magical addiction. It seems to lesson the symptoms of their addiction and reduce their craving to perform magic."

"That's.." The king was stunned at how he misjudged this man. "that's amazing. It works you say?"

"Not completely, i'm still working on it, it only reduces the craving, and gives the mage focus." Zephyr said.

It was then the beautiful woman behind the veil moved. She woke up.

"Ren'Ai," the king spoke the woman's name and moved to check on her leaving Zephyr to recall a memory. "Are you alright?" She nods.

"You're majesty." Zephyr said. The gaurds tensed as if ready to strike down the traitior. "There's something you should know."

"In a moment, leutenant." The king dismissed the clockmaker he turned back to the woman. "Thank you for saving me and my family."

"It can't wait your majesty. The man who attacked you, the man i sold formula d75 to mentioned a person Ren'Ai by name.

The gasp of the royal family and Ren'Ai was deafening as it broke the sudden silence.

"can you describe this man?" Ren'Ai implored.

Zephyr kept up his coooperation by obliging.

"Erus." she says quietly. "I must speak with you immediately, your highness."

The king motioned for the guards to escort Zephyr out. Zephyr bows and walks out, the gaurds don't even move to march him at weapon point.

"I'm a criminal, at least make a show of it." The old officer in him hisses at the gaurds. They obliged and marched him through the doors at sword point.

"Much better." he said as they shut the doors.

[CheshireThief]

As the Liger began walking off, Cerrave ran and cut him off.

"Wait! I am a good man. Will you come with me? I will treat you very nicely. I could use a good man as a guard. And you seem strong enough. So what do you say? Partners?"

He then patted himself on the chest. "By the way, call me Cerrave Tarre or Red Scarlet."

It was about then that he turned to face his shadows.

"I know you've been following me. I intend no harm if you only wish to speak. If you have any qualms with the Liger or myself, I suggest you leave now, as I will be forced to defend myself."

[Mintaro]

Palimont heard a voice breaking into the clutter of his mind. "Blah! I Blah blah good man. Blah you come blah me? I blah treat you blah nice-blah. I blah blah blah good man blah blah Gaurd. And you blah strong blah. Blah blah do you blah?"

The Fox man then patted himself on the chest. "blah they way, blah me blah blah or Red blah."

Palimont stoped and looked at the small fox man with wet eyes. He sniffed once. "You good man." He said as though trying to understand what he ment by it. The thoughts of his dead friend moving from his mind to make way for the newer problum of communication. "You treat me...nice?" He asked. Then the fox-man turned his back. Palimont kept talking though. "I good man. I gaurd, I strong. I gaurd nice man OrRed." He said. Compleatly missing the part where a threat to his new freind was pointed out.

[The Kneumatic Pnight]

Azrel almost smiled, he should have known better. His skills must've been slipping with all those years of nonuse. And he wasn't quite so skilled at blending in these crowds as he was with the ecclectic rabble that clogged the Nal-ete streets.

"I overheard you in the Lioness' Den," Azrel explained, taking a step forward to move to a more comfortable speaking distance, "and it caught my mind. The events of today have put my goals and desires at risk and you seem to know more about it than I do. You need help, I need leads. I had merely hoped to see what, exactly, it was you were up to before getting involved... but it seems I'm rather destined to be drawn into this and I might as well get right to it.

"If you've got a job for me and my partner, I'd like to be involved."

[CheshireThief]

Cerrave Tarre grinned and bowed with a flourish.

"Cerrave Tarre, traveling Kitsune archaeologist and treasure at your service."

As he stood, he pulled his illusory shroud around himself, transforming into his human guise.

"Although, there are those who know me as Red Scarlett, scoundrel extroudinaire."

He dropped the glamour.

"And although I don't know you, you did have the sense to follow me with your offer, so I accept you into my merry band. What might I call you?"

[IHateMakingNames]

Apparently, the creature Kawazoe attacked was frozen with fear. Annoyed that the lizard wasn't talking, the samurai gave it a quick punch to the stomach with his free hand, then moved to an open seat to think some more.

Attacking that Tatsu was a rash decision. Forcing random people to guide him wasn't going to work. He didn't want to walk through Kalidan, so he'd need a person with a carriage or car. The problem is getting some one to guide him. He couldn't simply kill anyone who refused, like he did to Eta in Tengoku. But, would never pay these godless people.

Kawazoe decided to simply ask for a guide, and offer them money. Of course, he wouldn't pay the guide once they reached Termina.

To get the bar's attention, Kawazoe stood and slammed his fist against the table. Not bothering to check his strength, he ended up removing a large chunk of the table. Then he threw a bag of gold onto the table, which he received before leaving Tengoku.

"I need a guide to Termina."

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Ash turned baleful gold eyes upon the Tengokun. There was no need for such ill manners in an inn of Kalidan. Even one with money.

"Good sir, it would be better you found guide from another place. We do not tolerate violent behaviour in the Lioness' Den," her towering demeanour and low voice spoke volumes that those that took the Oriental up with his offer will not be well-looked upon either.

~~

Risk looked up, smelling danger in the air. She had noted with sharp interest the Tengokun, but now it seemed he was about to cause some trouble with his cultural differences.

She decided it was best to make herself scarce as of the moment. Being half kitsune, her mother told her of her origins, and she felt nervous around another Tengokun. This man was dangerous.

She stood up, and went over to the lioness.
"Ash, any of the other machos coming in today?" she asked in a low voice.

"Yes. Martin and Luthe will be coming in just around about now," Ash replied just as low, "you don't look too good right now, Lucky. Take the rest of the day off. I've got everything under control for the moment. Find that lovely Scarlett gentleman, will you? He said he wanted you to meet him..." Ash told her of the gold and the false-human's interest in Risk. She nodded.

"It'll make for a good way of leaving. Thanks for all you've done, Ash. I might be gone for a while."

Ash waved a large paw.
"No problem! I'll manage just fine without you. Now chivvy along!" With another paw, she swatted Risk gently on the bottom and dismissed her.

Risk went upstairs to grab her knapsack and her bracelets and bangles. She threw in her scarce possessions before coming back downstairs, throwing on her shoes and cloak, and swiftly and silently flowing back outside into the freezing Kalidan atmosphere.

[Gorefiend]

Azetheros looked at the table. Then at the gold. Then at the Tengokun. Then at the Kitsune. One thing was obvious to him: she would see to it he didn't get his guide here, and if he did, she would see to it both left and didn't come back for a long time. If I plan on staying here the night, I can't offer him my services... Even though I'm heading there anyways... Practically free gold, though. Darn.

Then he looked at the Tengokun again. He had an air about him. No single word could describe it, but "hostility," "intent to kill," and "violence" all came close. He looked at everyone like he could try to torture and kill them, their family, and anyone else he felt like torturing and killing in the city and not care one bit. And he had the strength to do it. Such a man couldn't be trusted, and there was no one to help those who died on the road.

I'll think about it... But if I do take him, it'll be later. And he'll have to pay up front.

He walked to where the lioness stood, looking cautiously at the Tengokun--everyone in the room was--and asked her "How much are the rooms, the drinks, and the damages I owe?"

[IHateMakingNames]

Everything except for reason told Kawazoe to kill the Bestai Grete. However, that wasn't enough to stop him. He was trapped in a foreign freezing land filled with godless dark arts using heathens, and his peaceful attempt to get a guide was ruined by some creature because he broke a table. If this were Tengoku, he would already be in a carriage heading towards his destination with no problems.

Kawazoe picked his pack, which contained his armor and various supplies, with his left hand, along with his warm clothes, and slung it over his shoulder. To leave, he took a path between the tables to take him near the female Bestai Grete. He passed her when the human finished asking his question. That would be the last thing she heard.

Kawazoe let go of his pack. In one swift motion, Kawazoe drew his katana, turned around, sliced his blade through the Bestai Grete's stomach, and spun back to his starting position. As he sheathed his katana, his pack hit the floor. He then slung it over his shoulder and headed for the door, as if nothing had happened.

Now that he had finally killed, and was a criminal in this lands, there was no reason for him not to kill anyone else.

[Gorefiend]

Oh shit!

As Azetheros saw the man draw his sword, he had begun to draw his own. But he was too late. By the time the man had walked to the door, both Azetheros and Dregg had drawn their swords, both of fine Kalidan make and pure Termina steel, and backed up. As they saw him leave, Dregg and Az quickly exchanged glanges, and Dregg raced outside, to fetch a guard. Az meanwhile leaned over the fallen Bestia Grete and pushed as much energy as he could into her. He screamed.

"Help! A mage! Any mage! Heal her!"

He wasn't sure he meant to say it, but he did, and when it came out, he didn't recognize his own voice. His bearskin robe and gloves turned red with the blood of the Bestia Grete, and though the wound seemed to close a little, the blood kept pouring out.

Please, please let her make it.
_____
OOC: I don't know how serious the wound is. I'll assume, therefore it is either a stab, or a deep slash that didn't cut right through her. Both of these are also thought to aim for the body or extremities, not the head or neck. Also, I'm not saying I managed to heal her, nor that she's dead. At any rate, if anyone decides the wound was obviously fatal, I'll either edit this or set it so he went into a shock and was unaware of anything except the fallen woman before him.

Also, Dregg isn't going to pursue you, IHMN, he's going to run in the opposite direction you're going, and fetch a guard. He'll also do everything in his power to not engage you. That is, assuming you were already leaving. If you were just at the door, this whole post needs editing.

[Squishy Cheeks]

Zephyr waited. The cell was small and dark. The gaurds had confiscated his coat and it's contents. An alchemist was probably trying to decipher Zephyr's coded journal right now. It was pretty much a lost cause. The script was a lettering of his own devising without a primer they'd never solve it. He smirked in satisfaction, that only through his aid or reverse engineering could they solve his recipes.

[CelesJessa]

(OOC: I'll give it a go)

"Oh my god!" Kaori flew out of her seat to the girl's side. Blood was everywhere. Without checking to see if the girl was still alive, she placed a hand on her and started channelling healing energy into the body. Healing wasn't her forte, but she had to try.

(OOC: I don't know if I can save her or not, so just let me know. ^^

[Mintaro]

Palimont suddenly became aware of the person 'OrRed' was talking to. He walked up real close to his new friend, even though he has no word for friend, and leaned in close to whisper in his ear. "Who that man?" he asked. Looking at the newcomers as though they were some sort of five legged animal that defied all logic.

[CheshireThief]

Cerrave chuckled briefly at the questioning Liger.

"Don't worry. He's a good man."

Cerrave turned back to his new acquaintances, and he bowed once again. As he came up, he had an expression on his face as if to say, 'wait a tic... I knew I forgot something!' He looked around for a moment.

"Well, I hate to cut this short, but those guards might be upset that I walked off with their prisoner, and if they're a bit swifter than I gave them credit for, they might start looking for me and Big Boy here. And since the people that I left instructions to come find me either know where to find me or have a good nose on them, I'm sure we can go somewhere less conspicuous. Come along."

He turned swiftly, allowing his cloak to billow behind him. Cerrave Tarre led his small band around the city wall. Once he came around a corner, he stopped--looking intently for something on the ground. When he was satisfied, he grinned as he pulled on an inconspicuous looking rock. The trapdoor opened, leading down into the tunnels beneath the city. Once down, he tapped a specific pattern on the wall, and a section of it turned. The small chamber was outfitted as a sort of haven for Cerrave. There was a sleeping pallet in one end, a large table with chairs around it in the middle, and a few low benches scattered about. There were a few bookshelves with a decent number of books and scrolls kept on them.

Waiting for his newfound allies to enter, Cerrave beamed.

"Welcome to Fox Hole."

[Dragonsbane]

"A pity that foreigners have no restraint." the voice spoke loud enough that Kawazoe would hear it.

Maroon cloth rustled as a young man pushed back his hood with his right hand, moving in a single, fluid motion out of his seat to kneel beside Kaori. He put that same hand atop hers, energy flowing from the point of contact...actually going through her on its way to heal the injured woman's wounds.

Healing was a necessary part of torture, after all. Skill in healing allowed Hand to wrack a foe to the point of death, then steal away the blessed oblivion they begged for. Yet, none of this cruelty showed in his face, his eyes focused on the Bestia Grete's wounds. The anatomy was slightly different, but many of the basic organs were the same, his healing energy carefully directed to the most critical areas, swirling around the female mage's energy as if he was directing her to focus on those areas too. Tissue knit together, ruptured organs regenerating.

"That was the cut of a thug, not a warrior or assassin. Fortunately, a stomach-cut will not kill immediately."

Hand felt the energy he had stored in the crystals on his other hand pouring through him, he would not waste the energy stored in his own body just yet, but even this was enough to produce an exquisite sensation...one that drug addicts strived for, but could never reach. Magic was Transcendence, and its addicting effects were physical proof.

[Sithdarth]

Veg tracked the scent of the fox-man for sometime then suddenly it was joined by another scent. This was a scent he knew well it had the distinct smell only Ligers had, not that he minded Ligers. Well there had been more than one unpleasent episode in his life concerning a Liger but that didn't mean they were all like that.

The trail picked up at least one other scent bet Veg turned on his natural cat instincts and tuned out every smell except the fox-man's and continued on. Suddenly the scent disappeared and Veg was left utterly confused. He backtracked picked up the scent again following more carefully. It disappeared again but this time Veg was able to detect the general area it stopped in. Seeing as it was in the middle of a street he concluded either they had flown or they had gone under ground. A car was out because he hadn't smelled any of the smells that come from the strange things they made cars out of. At least not as strongly as the other scents so he assumed they hadn't driven away.

Veg croached down to all fours and put his nose to the ground. He felt kinda silly but it was his only option. He found the area where the scent was strongest soon enough but it took a good deal longer to find the lose brick. He pulled up the hatch and decended slowly finding himself in a rather dark tunnel. A quick check revealed that the scent trail didn't extend in either direction and Veg was at a loss. He just stared dumbly at the wall in front of him as the door above ground closed and trapped him in the tomb like darkness.

[Psycho Mantis]

Saladeen of Kar'dun wove his way carefully through the winding streets of Kalidan. The cold sucked the breath out of his lungs and turned every weak exhale into a plume of frozen air. Still, the man with the white eyes pushed onwards against the cruel winter wind, drawing closer and closer to his destination.

It had taken him months to reach the capital of Kalidan, riding his horse through merciless lands, and finally now he was here. He had heard stories of the legendary winters of this land, but they had done little to prepare the desert man for the harsh reality that awaited him.

Saladeen pulled the longcoat he had bought closer around him, trying to beat off the biting cold. Suddenly, the royal palace loomed in front of him. This is where they have taken him, so this is where I shall go.

He moved to the wall of the palace and looked along its length. The streets were mostly deserted by now, and so he moved along the wall quickly and disappeared from view behind a building. Checking the area carefully, he climbed the building, then lept off its roof and onto the side of the wall. With deft agility he grasped the top of the wall with his rag-wrapped hands and pulled himself over in one fluid motion. He hit the walkway silently, and rolled into a crouch. The crenulated wall shielded him from view of those in the courtyard below. Peering carefully from behind the wall, he scanned the palace grounds. He grinned viciously and placed his dagger in his teeth for easy access. There it is. Right underneath the main keep.

The adrenaline coursing through his veins warmed the wirey-desert man, and for the first time in a long while, Saladeen was not cold. He moved as quickly as he could while staying out of sight of the guards in the courtyard below.

He approached a guard tower intersecting the walkway. Flattening himself against it, he leaned into the doorway. Inside a single Kalidan guard sat around a small fire, his back to Saladeen.

Removing the dagger from his teeth, he snuck silently behind the man. He drew dangerously close, then surged forward, grasping the mans head with his left hand, and driving the dagger into the guards throat with his right. A stream of warm blood rushed over Saldeens hand. The Kalidan soldier tried desperately to call out, but the dagger had pierced his vocal chords. All he could do was gargle and die, and so he did.

Saladeen left the man sitting by the fire, his head drooped awkwardly to one side, and continued towards his objective...

[IHateMakingNames]

Kawazoe wasn't going to take any insults from these worthless people. He glanced back to see who he was going to kill, then turned back around to prepare. However, Hand was also prepared to fight back.

Kawazoe dropped his pack once again and whipped around, sending a kunai from his right thigh holster at Hand's left eye. Hand was prepared. The flow of healing energy into Ash ceases entirely, Hand tugs directly on her life force with his right hand, firing a blast of crackling lightning bolts with the other in a semi-coherant blast about as thick around as a centennial oak.

Both were caught by surprise. Kawazoe was not used to magic, and didn't realize that he was against a dark arts user until it was to late. He leapt to the side to avoid the spell, but the lightning easily caught him and electrocuted him. At the same time, Hand had not expected Kawazoe to be that fast. His leaning saved his life, but the kunai still hit him in the forehead at an angle.

Kawazoe twitched on the floor for a bit, but do to his Tengokujin training, the massive amount of life force stored in him manages to fix the immediate problems. Hand lost a chip of his skull, and received a concussion, along with massive bleeding from the forehead.

Both recovered enough to move at about the same time, though Hand was ready by a fraction of a second earlier. Hand cast a second spell to launch him through a window with a burst of wind, receiving more cuts from the broken glass. Kawazoe had been preparing to charge, but he was expecting this next spell to be offensive, so he dodged to the side again.

[Krylo]

After hearing everything that Ren'Ai had told him, King Laous had spent the next several hours in meetings with his councilers, generals, and royal guards. When the meeting had finished runners were dispatched throughout the city and to various townships, and rumors of an army forming began to spread through the city of Kalis almost immediately.

It was for this reason that he was so delayed in making his way toward the dungeons, only to find the guard at the entry-way murderd, his throat cut open.

Laous ran back into the courtyard and grabbed his nearest guard. It was with a sense of great urgency that he ordered the man to gather all available men and lead them into the dungeons.

(OOC: and now things get hectic for Saladeen and, to a lesser extent, Zephyr)

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Risk kept careful distance from the great Beastia Grete Veg, unaware completely that her good friend Ash was fighting for her life.

She watched him trace Cerrave's scent, quietly and quickly slipping through the stream of people along the streets.

So when Veg disappeared outside Kalidan walls, the half-vixen was curious. She was even more curious when Veg completely vanished out of sight. Being of a bit of a... less honest person herself, Risk knew of the underground network of tunnels pretty well, having gone down there in a couple of occasions to hide from the guards.

What she didn't know, though, was that this... 'Cerrave Tarre' Kitsune fellow also had a lodgings underground.
Risk pulled the small stone, and entered the underground passages, only to bump into a confused Veg.

"Oh, hello there, Beastia Grete. Following the Kitsune too? Come with me, I know this place a bit more than you do," Risk said pleasantly as she tugged one of Veg's finger and padded forward into the tunnels.

She met the Liger first.
"Hello!" she said, holding out a palm to show she meant no harm, "You guarding somebody? Is it Cerrave Tarre or Red Scarlette? I mean no harm. I'm supposed to meet him and talk to him."

[Mintaro]

Palimont was standing in the tunnel standing and watching as he had been told to. Attempting to figure out why it was his fur was a little wet around his eyes when a woman came up to him.

"Blah!" She held out her palm, it smelled a little sweet. "You gaurd-blah blah? blah it Blah blah OrRed blah? I mean no blah. I-blah blah to blah him and blah to him."

Palimont scratched his head and tried to understand what she was talking about. "I gaurd OrRed. You mean no to him?" He then rememberd what she reminded him of, A flower. "You have a flower?" He asked

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

OrRed? Flower?

Risk thought quickly, smiled, and brought out her hand again. A pretty, small white flower grew and bloomed in her hand. This obviously surprised the Liger, seeing a flower appear out of nowhere, as he started back a bit, before coming forward, eyes big.

"I have a flower. I need to see OrRed. He is one of my friends. This Beastia also one of OrRed's friends. Can you let us in?"

[Mintaro]

Palimont smiled when she said she had a flower. "I blah to blah OrRed. Blah is one of blah Blah. This Blah Blah one of OrRed's blah. Blah you blah blah in?"

"You have flower? Flower for I or Flower from you for OrRed?" He seemed increadibly fixated on the flower for some reason.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Risk resisted the urge to knock some intelligence into the Liger. He was, after all, a primitive beast. Her hand obscured the pretty flower.

"Flower for OrRed," she tried this time, "I give flower to OrRed. OrRed have flower for I. You have flower after I give OrRed Flower."

And for the sake of all the known Gods in the world, she hoped the stupid creature understood. She really didn't like being kept out here too long. It attracted too much attention.

[Mintaro]

Palimont stood there and looked at her for a moment. Trying to figure out what she meant. Then he clapped his hands excitedly. "Flower for OrRed then flower for me." He seemed to really enjoy the idea of getting a flower. He grabbed hold of her firmly but surprisingly gently for his massive strength and size. He began to pull her inside towards OrRed.

When Palimont found 'OrRed' he stopped and pointed to the woman with him. "Flower for you and I."

[CheshireThief]

Cerrave Tarre grinned sheepishly (well, wolfishly... either way, it's quite humorous when done by a fox).

"Yes. Quite a delicate little flower, isn't she?"

He chuckled a bit. He gently took Risk's hand and pulled her away from the Liger. Noticing the flower in her hand, he smiled.

"You might want to give him the flower. Liger's don't like being lied to... Once you do that, feel free to have a seat."

Noticing the Bestia Grete in the hallway as Palimont pulled the half-kitsune in, Cerrave called out. "Come inside, out of the cold there, my large friend! I'm sure we have enough room for one of your stature!"

[Psycho Mantis]

Saladeen descending the stairs quickly, disappearing into the darkness below.

Time was of the essence now. He had to move like the wind if he was going to get his objective out of here.

The stairs ended abruptly and spilled him into a long, deep, torch-lit corridor. The air was sticky and putrid. Saladeen pushed onwards, jogging down the damp stone hallway and pulling his recurve bow from his back as he went.

He turned the corner and there they were, two Kalidan guards, standing 20 yards away. They reacted quickly, drawing their weapons and shouting a challenge. Saladeen notched an arrow with frightening speed and fired at the closer of the two guards. They arrow stuck in his chest with a THUNK, and the man crumpled to the floor. The second guard stood dumb-struck for a moment, then charged forward, desperately trying to reach the unknown assailant before he could reload. He was too slow. At about 10 paces Saladeen loosed an arrow into the unfortunate guards face, and he fell dead.

Saladeen stepped over the dead men, and to the door they had been guarding. Peering through the bars that rested at eye level, he saw a dark-haired man, sitting in the corner of the cell, oblivious to the commotion outside. He bears the circles of glass over his eyes. He must be the one.

Saladeen searched the body of the guard nearest the door and retrieved the key to the door. He opened the door forcefully, taking a step inside and startling Zephyr badly.

You are the bomb-maker, yes? Saladeen said in the halting accent of his people, You must come with me if you want to live.

[Sithdarth]

Veg looked around heard the invitation and lumbered into the smallish room. It was quiant if a little small but nothing he couldn't handle. He did however stay just as far away from the liger as he could. He still couldn't quite get over what had happened so long ago.

[Squishy Cheeks]

"Piss off." Zephyr said as he reclined in his cot. "I'm to valuable at the moment for the state to kill."

[Psycho Mantis]

Saladeen's mouth curled into a cruel smile.

Who said anything about the state killing you? he hissed, drawing his scimitar from his belt-loop.

Now, move it before I lose my patience with you. he said, motioning towards the open cell door.

[Squishy Cheeks]

Zephyr stood and put his arms behind his head.

"Holy mother, when will my indignities end? Have i not suffered enough for one day?" He thought as he looked skyward.

He walked through the door.

[TheBlindMime]

D'vor walked out the back door, a new pipe in his mouth. He was without his jacket so his striped fur was visible from his midrift and up, he'd managed to get his kilt and boots back on before Rose could stop him, along with lifting her fathers pipe. He sat down on the frozen stoop as the smoke wafted from his pipe, that woman is insatiable.

D'vor had been through this many times before but today Rose was unrelenting. D'vor sighed, puffing some embers into the air as he did so. Am I, am I losing it, can I not even satiate a womans lust. He leaned back, his daggers glistening in the moonlight, I used to, maybe, maybe I'm just getting old. He looked down to his hands they were old and worn, thoughts of his old mistress flooded his mind. I always pleased her though, didn't I?

[Dragonsbane]

He was fast, at least.

Hand landed on his feet in a crouch outside, some distance away from the open window. Blood dripped down one side of his face, and a sharp stab of pain accompanied the landing. Fortunately, it had faded to a dull throb, though the mage knew he had to fix it when he had time...and energy...to do so.

He suspected that whatever he was fighting was like the elder members of a certain group he was familiar with, a group whose talisman now hung around his neck. Whether or not the swordsman was actually capable of casting spells, which Hand doubted after considering that the man had failed to put up any defenses against his lightning, he appeared to dislike using them. Furthermore, his rapid healing could be explained only by the channeling of energy, and the speed at which he moved indicated that he could hold a lot. Far more than Hand, even if the healing had probably consumed some of it.

Nonetheless, this foolish, arrogant wretch had dared to injure him, and there could be no forgiveness for that.

"You have a fine arm. A pity you cannot hold your own in a face-to-face battle, but I suppose your moderate skill at surprise attacks could earn you a career as a mediocre assassin." Hand called out, keeping his voice light and jovial.

[Krylo]

Saladeen only managed to lead Zephyr a few feet before the sound of booted footsteps began to echo down the corridor, giving only seconds notice before a Kalidan rifle squad rounded a nearby corner. They moved into firing positions with such practiced ease that it came seamlessly into their forward steps, their barrels pointed down the dungeon toward Saladeen and Zephyr.

Fear and recognition registered in Zephyr's eyes as he saw the muskets come to bear. It was doubtful they were aiming for him, but the guns weren't known for their accuracy. Not that such a thing would increase either Saladeen's or Zephyr's chance for survival with twenty aiming down the hallway.

The captain held up his hand in the center of his squad, as soon as it dropped the men would fire. It didn't drop, however, nor did he say 'fire'. Instead he addressed the criminals. "Drop your weapon and you may yet be spared man of the dessert. The king has authorized the use of martial force... that man can not be allowed outside these walls at this time, nor can his knowledge. We are to attempt to preserve his life, but we are to kill you both if necessary to prevent his escape."

[Squishy Cheeks]

Zephyr looked over his shoulder as he kept his hands together on the top of his head.

"Your move, chief."

Zephyr tensed the muscles in his back and formulated a plan.

[Psycho Mantis]

Saladeen pulled back a step, his milky eyes gazing over the men arrayed against him. He put Zephyr between himself and the guards, looping his scimitar around in position to slit his throat if nessesary.

He is mine now, men of Kalidan, he said in his strange rythmic fashion, and I will be leaving with him.

His free hand was obscured by Zephyr's torso, and he used this cover to pull a a small ball from his waistband. Taking another step backwards, he grinned and threw the ball at the riflemen. The small capsule struck the ground immediately in front of the guards and exploded in a flash of sulphur and smoke.

Saladeen tugged Zephyr away from the guards, attempting to escape down the corridor, but Zephyr seized the oppurtunity caused by the confusion to land an elbow in Saladeen's throat.

Saladeen stumbled and gagged as Zephyr ran into the smoke. One of the guards discharged his weapon. It went wild, hitting the ceiling then richocheting off the far wall. Saladeen dove to the ground, and was spared a bullet in the torso.

He got to his feet and sprinted down the corridor, away from the soldiers. The smoke cleared and he turned a corner, right into the dungeon master. The huge man had been drawn by the commotion and seemed completely suprised by Saladeens sudden appearance. The desert man noticed the huge tome the black-clad Kalidan held in his right hand.

The clearly brawn-and-not-brains hulk began to put things together...

Hey, you cant- the man started, reaching out with his huge left hand to grab Saladeen by the collar. Saladeen reacted quickly, dodging the grab and taking off the hand at the wrist. The huge man howled in pain, taking an awkward step backwards, and nearly tumbling. Saladeen pressed his attack, slashing the mans jugular and torso in a long V pattern. The dungeon keepers grip on the tome loosened, and Saladeen scooped it up before it spilled to the ground.

Reading the cover as he ran down the corridor, Saladeen grinned as he realize d what he had recovered: Zephyrs tome of recipes.

At least this wasnt a complete waste, he thought as he emerged into the blinding light of the upperworld.

[Squishy Cheeks]

Zephyr dove to the stone floor and waited to be taken back into custody. the gaurds picked him up.

"Where is my journal?" Were zephyr's first words. after the incident.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Damnit. I've forgotten how smart a Kitsune can get, Risk wasn't enjoying her predicament.

"Liger. See flower? Flower... not real. I am the Flower, Flower for OrRed and You," Risk said as she demonstrated her illusionist power. In an instant, the flower was there in her palm, clear as day. The next moment, it had vanished, startling the dumb beast.

"Flower for you and OrRed. I am Flower," she beckoned with a finger for the Liger to bend down. Confused, he did, and was even more surprised when Risk rose up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his furry cheek. She gave a sweet smile, before sitting down near Cerrave Tarre.

[Mintaro]

Palimont blushed as the young woman kissed his cheek. "Nice woman, pretty flower." He mumbled, the sound much like a large beehive. "I go guard." He mumbled again as he headed back down to the entrance of the Fox hole to await any other visitors.

[TheBlindMime]

Just as D'vor reached the end of his tobacco he heard a familiar voice, "D'vor when are you coming back? The night isn't over yet." D'vor slid the pipe from his lips, as he looked at the twinkling stars above.

"Sorry Rose, but I think I'm going to have to cut tonight's protection short." D'vor stood up and dusted the ice from his kilt. He sidled up to rose who was clad in nothing more then a blanket. "We'll have to resume this another time." He kissed her on the cheek as he grabbed his things.

"Please stay. I don't want to be alone." Rose seemed sincere.

D'vor sighed, "I'm tired rose, and more importantly there's a hundred royal bounty out there walking of its own accord."

"Can't you just stay and lie with me." She was growing closer to pleaing.

"I'll be back reward or not." D'vor's words were hollow, he did not truly mean them, but they satiated the girls needs, she nodded as she ran her hand down his chin once more.

Within minutes he was on the street, his hot breath trailing behind him in the cold Kalidan night. He saw some gaurds up ahead, D'vor had two choices, deal with humans, or spend all night freezing his ass off. After half of a block, he walked back and addressed the more imposing of the two gaurds, "Have either of you seen a Kitsune around here by the name of Cerrave Tarre? He stands about so tall, and is quick to throw down coins."

[Inbred Chocobo]

Razma was now at his workshop. Though his wallet was now a bit heavier from the 10 royal gold he got for telling them the Black Cloaked man was heading west. Of course, he left out that he too would be heading west soon.

Right now, he was doing some finishing touches to his car. He wanted to give this a tune-up before he left, this way it shouldn't fail once its out there, or at least not immediatly. "Better pick up another couple of crystals, these seem a bit dull." He said to no one as he checked over the engine.

He kick started the engine. got in the seat, and pulled out. He would stop by a mage's shop and buy a couple crystals first, of course, before driving off. Maybe stop and grab some food too.

[Squishy Cheeks]

The torture section of the dungeon was failry standard. there were braziers filled with various tools and red flaming coals. a rack to the left, a rust iron maiden on the right. They sat Zephyr in the usual torture chair and applied tha manicals.

"So, who was that there?" The captain of the gaurd asked.

"Honestly," He started slightly confused. "I have no idea. That was the first time I ever saw him. I would have figured the castle would be on lock down from the explosion earlier. How did he get in here?"

"I'm not the one under interrogation." the captain said.

_____________________

Zephyr's voice was hoarse and his body ached. The splints in his finger nails had stopped bleeding. The bruises were dulling in their pain.

"So who else was in on the plot. Who are you protecting?"

They are probably going to kill me. He just tried to breathe the fire out of his lungs. His mind tried to focus on something good. Only Kaori came to mind. My life, is that pathetic, the brightness in my life is that sadist.

[CheshireThief]

Cerrave Tarre was pleased. Things were going just as he had wanted them to. He silently praised his kitsune luck at the turn of events. Standing, he addressed his new companions.

"Well, it looks as if we're all gathered, save for one."

He gestured around the room.

"It's not much, but please, make yourselves at home until I return. I have to go seek out our final member."

He looked to Risk.

"Would you care to accompany me back to the city?"

Before waiting for her answer, he swiftly turned and headed for the door. On the way out, he looked at the Liger. "Stay here. I'll be back soon."

He headed for the secret exit to just outside the city walls.

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Risk shrugged slightly, and got up. Literally gliding after Cerrave, Risk caused her outer image to blush as she passed the Liger, before her image shifted and became more human to the naked eye.

"... You are interested in that Tora fellow," she stated simply as she flipped her hood up, eyes flashing in amusement.

[CheshireThief]

Cerrave Tarre grinned as he opened the trap door for Risk.

"Of course. Toras are known to be fierce in battle. Besides, they're fiercely loyal to their allies. He'll be a great person to watch our backs."

He stretched and looked up at the moonlight.

"And one more person between myself and danger is ALWAYS a good thing."

[Rhiya Ravenwing]

Risk had that prickly sensation. It was a sensation all creatures with even a drop of Kitsune blood flowing in them had. It was the sense of foreboding.

Of course, it was definitely to do with the way Cerrave Tarre so easily spoke of situating himself in danger. Risk's outer countenance - both the illusion and the real thing - didn't change, though. She was good at masking her feelings.

"How many more people do you plan to throw in danger's path?"

[TheBlindMime]

"No Officer, I was not suggesting that you could be bribed." D'vor hated humans. I've explained this four bloody times now.

"But you said he was quick with the coins, that insinuates he bribes people quickly. Why tell us about that unless you believe he could bribe us." The shorter of the two had seen the insinuation clearly, he just couldn't get anything else into his head afterwards.

D'vor forced a smile, "No offense was intended, let me more properly introduce myself, my card." The gaurds looked confused as he handed over a couple of pieces of wood, the two of them managed to figure it out and put them together to read D'vor's sign. As they looked up to take a better look at the magnanomous mercenary, they saw nothing.

D'vor was already far down an alternate alley, the roads of Kalidan were filled with alternate paths. D'vor slid his hands into his pockets sullenly, he felt forced to wonder, Will I ever find my path in this labyrinth of humanity.