Ganti/ Gaudete

Ganti chuckled as the bard walked over to the bar, knocked back an odd drink, then collapsed on the ground. Shaking her head, smiling, she arose and walked back towards the bar. As Locien rose a small silver flask he had produced he would slyly pluck it from his hands.

“Thanks, mate.” She would say with a coy smile, knocking back the flask and taking a swig. "So," She said wiping her mouth. "How's it goin', ol' chaps?

Halcyon

“Hello? Flame-haired? Dark one?” Halcyon heard ring out in his mind. Opening one eye, he gazed up to the man enveloped in his aura. Clever man, he thought to himself.
“Can you teach me to wield the power of the artifact around my neck?”
“Your neck? Gems that are around my neck, you mean. Mayhaps, weakling.” Halcyons smooth voice drifted between the minds of the two like honey. “They offer great power to the wielder. I am not sure your frail body could handle it… But I can hear the desperation in your voice. And I am a gente, a kind god.” He though smiling to himself. “I will teach you, in return for two favors; One, you must tell me who you are, where you are from, and why you have these stones. The second favor, I will tell you in good time. So, good man, there is no time like the present. Who are you?”

Fitz

Fitz looked on at the odd display, flesh being sewn together before his eyes. “This is some straight up Frankenstein crap you got goin on here Jeannot.” He said his soul mate. With a small ding, the low hum of the mechanical creator ceased. The body appeared to be ready, looking almost like an identical twin to Fitz. Fitz felt his soul lighten and beam. They could finally begin-
“Wait, Jeannot.” Fitz slowed his mind. “Remember what happened last time? The body was destroyed. Can’t we test this body somehow? See if it will work?”

Chad Master Funk

“Wake up, shōniaisha!” is what Chad woke up to along with a stinging sensation on his cheek. "Wha-?" Chad muttered opening his eyes. With a confused expression on his face Chad observed his surrounding. To his left he found James doing pretty well with the Kitsune he saw upstairs at the bar earlier. He realized the room was a bit strange judging from the plants and foliage. He looked down to find himself naked in a tub, which caused him to startle. "How did I get here?" Chad thought. "Why am I naked? Where are my things? Why is James BFF with that Kitsune?... Why does my face hurt?" And with that last thought Chad's chin was turned forcefully to face the woman that he kissed before passing out... and made her very upset.

“Why are you here, shōniasha?!” The young Kitsune demanded angrily from Chad.
"Oh... that's why" Chad thought. With that, the Kitsune slapped Chad again making him yelp in a feminine high pitched voice.
“Answer me!” She was growing impatient but a soothing voice came from the left and said “He’s not going to answer you if you keep beating on him, daughter.”

"Yeah what she said!" Chad exclaimed. "First of all, that was uncalled for and really hurts." Chad continued. "You know, you look cute when you are angry." Chad smiles flirtatiously. "I understand that you maybe upset, but remember you attacked us first. When you knocked me out I thought I was going to die, which is why I tried to 'grab' onto my life as much as I could." Chad began to chuckle at his own joke reminding the Kitsune of what he did before passing out "Get it? 'GRAB' onto life, huh? Its funny right?" Chad looked up at the most likely unamused Kitsune. "You have to admit you must have liked it a little... no?... ok, anyway to answer your question," Chad clears his throat, "I came here looking for-" Chad pauses and starts over, "Better yet, for all of this to make sense, I will start from the beginning". Chad clears his throat again in an exaggerated manner. "My name is Chad Master Funk, or just Chad, and as you could probably tell I am not from around here. In fact, I am from the future and I landed in this world by accident, but that's not important now. During the short time I have spent here, I have met a demigod named Fitz, and during our battle with the flesh golem outside the Inn, (which no doubt you must have noticed all the commotion), Fitz somehow got separated from his body and his dark half took over and he now threatens to throw the universe into chaos and destruction." Chad looks to the Kitsune and the two others on the left. "Although I am from the future, my weapons are not enough to fight him. I am going to need to upgrade my equipment, they only gave me the basic stuff to go on this mission. So I am trying to assemble a team of super powered heroes to stop Fitz before it is too late. I originally came here looking for a powerful super-human named Missile, but honestly I am considering giving up on her..." With a pause Chad looks up to the young kitsune. "That's my story and if you have any more questions, I will answer them after you give my clothes and equipment back". he smiles.

Alec Drop Bass

Alec heard a cold smooth voice behind him, “Ah, Alec Drop Bass. I was wondering when I would find you…”. Alec turned his head to find a dark figure wearing a crows mask. “Tell me, Alec, do you feel dead?”

For some reason Alec was not alarmed. He did not try to run, he was not afraid, yet he did not want to fight. His body was numb from the cold. He looked back at the figure and let out a weak chuckle. Alec was still partially delusional due to blood loss. He didn't know what he was laughing at. Was it at the Crow? Did he find his question funny? Or was he, once again, laughing at himself for being reduced to such a state?
"Quite honestly, I don't know how to answer that question." Alec responded in a low voice. "What is death suppose to feel like?... Are you the reaper?" Alec looked away from the figure and stared into space. "I feel like if I were to answer your question in any way, you would probably kill me... No matter, I will answer your question... No, I don't feel dead. Not yet." With that, Alec waits for the Crow's response...

[Nihil]
As Nihil arrived upon the mysteriously flat planet, materializing within a thicket of alien plants. The Dearmadta, curious, touched a nearby stalk, only to see it bend. "Interesting..." the Malefane mused, sending a powerful kick to the very stalk he had gently touched. The stalk, this time, did not bend and took the full force of his kick. "Ah... how quaint." Nihil remarked, turning his attention now to his surroundings. The thicket of alien plants stole his very vision and sense of direction, but he remedied such a conundrum with ease. Slamming his hands together and forming unique seals, murmuring runes under his breath as he did so, Nihil called forth the forces of nature. The wind stirred violently as it rushed to Nihil's aid, swirling around him as a vortex of raw, untamed power and madness! Once conscious of the elementals deep within, the Dearmadta pulled them into the gale's eye, drawing the elementals into himself.

The recital ended as swiftly as it began, the vortex of wind vanishing with only stagnation residing. Nihil was a powerful sorcerer, so much so in the fields of aeromancy and geomancy that even the elementals would die for his cause; even if it were for a trivial need such as flight. Not that his spellcasting relies on elementals, but they always had acted as a source of power... power that he would not have to spend from his own reserves.

Imbued with the lifeforce from the sacrifices, Nihil levitated his way upward, towards to the opening beyond the canopies. It did not take him long to reach the openings, to see the great scene before him. The thicket was long and far, yet the rest of the world was interesting as well due to its chessboard appearance. During his survey, Nihil noticed the most daunting phenomenon that any human would ever lay eyes on: a spiral of potential malice. The other directions did not intrigue him as much as the phenomenon did, for which he placed the rest of the planet into a secondary objective file in his mental file cabinet. "The spiral... it possesses much power. Perhaps a challenge? Or, perhaps, an advancement in Our plans?" The Malefane asked himself, feeling an unusual emotion stirring within his gut. This, too, interested him. Never had he felt so intrigued, so... what was the name of that gut-filled emotion? Whatever it was called, he did not like it. It made him feel... good... good but not in control of himself. Oh, how he loathed the emotion! "We suppose that We must eliminate the source of this feeling. The spiral must be investigated, however..."

Without a second thought, the godling wind-walked towards the spiral, cutting the air before him to allow himself to walk far faster than any normal being, erasing air resistance. It would not take long for Nihil, walking upon nothing and with much speed, to reach his destination.

[Kresnik]
Kresnik eyed the girl, a twitch of a smile appearing at the corner of his slender lips. "Where I am from, this is customary. Those of us in the supernatural business do not pretend to be mysterious. Rather, we must be secretive. Otherwise, any information you can give, the smallest detail, would prove calamitous." Kresnik explained, amusement lacing his otherwise serious words. His gaze went over to the bar, and with a flick of his wrist and a seductive suggestion of his index finger, the bottle of brandy floated toward him. It was a simple spell, something he had learned in the beginning. Elementary magic was only the pretty kind of magic that did little to no harm to anyone, unlike the Schools, which were designed for one's own dark amusement. Ignoring the memories of Baba Yaga and her teaching, of her dark plans and desires for him, Kresnik poured himself another glass. "This world is as uninteresting as my own... to enjoy myself here would be preposterous, m'lady." Kresnik added, mockingly. As if to emphasize his disdain, he took a long sip, a slow sip, of brandy. His palate shouted at him to stop, and he obey. Placing the cup down, he noticed that more people were flooding into the Boar and that there was... yelling... outside the Inn. With a sigh, he placed the information as none of his concern. After all, the person sounded foul mouthed.

As for the remark about the Sharkman and the Boar, Kresnik ignored it. There was no reason for him to be acquainted with people.

Save one...

The elf appeared and he took another hard sip of the brandy, a reflex born from disdain. He took another sip after hearing the quick remark about him not being a good drinking mate. The dhampir sighed, tapping his finger in impatience as he awaited the food. "Elf, stop fooling around. We have a job that we must do and prepare for. It's not like we can kill the witches unprepared, mate." Kresnik remarked, raising a brow at his clownish companion.

The Story Master

“Mayhaps, weakling.” Were the words that touched his mind in response. The dark one’s mind felt like a dismal void and it chilled Tyros. But dispite the darkness there was mingled with it a strange sense of compassion, it felt like a frigid velvet. “They offer great power to the wielder. I am not sure your frail body could handle it… But I can hear the desperation in your voice. And I am a gentle, kind god.” This made Tyros uneasy. He had run into a number of haughty beings fancying themselves to be gods but they usually met themselves at an unfortunate end. But The Story Master would play along if it meant learning what secrets the amulet holds.

“I will teach you, in return for two favors; One, you must tell me who you are, where you are from, and why you have these stones. The second favor, I will tell you in good time. So, good man, there is no time like the present. Who are you?”

Tyros would do most things to achieve this goal. So he said,

“Of course! Anything! Thank you Flame-haired.” The Story Master responded unable to quell his initial excitement. “You see, I am but a gentle man of humble beginnings. I am bold yet lowly and as you said weak. I have loved many and lost much. I am prone to wonder. I am nothing great, though many have called me so. I am the one who tells tales. I am the one who fights for what is good and righteous. I am he who would defend the weak. I am the hopeful romantic. I am the one that the children all call The Story Master. I am Tyros Artrems, the swordsmen bard.” He was filled with emotion at the notion of ending his long quest. “That is all that I am dark one. Lowly as I surely am in comparison to you, may I ask who you might be?”

Halcyon

Who might I be? Halcyon chuckled. Child, pray listen to my story. I am, always have been, and always will be. You see, in the beginning there was Chaos, and 3 Goddesses emerged, born of the void. The looked upon the chaos and spoke unto it to take shape, and lo, I was formed. Halcyon Alphagenoi; Peace of the first Generation. They gave unto me their being and power so that I might remain pure. I absorbed my creators, and with their power I spoke; I created the Universe. I created the stars you see in the night sky, the infinite expanse of space. I created the leviathan, who dwells in the deep, and the behemoth who's legs are like ceder. I spoke, and out of the nothingness, creation appeared. And I looked upon it and saw that it was good. I spoke once more, and created the humankind. I nurtured them and built them up from their bareness, protected them. For millennial, I watched over the people, building them up. Then I heard of this land, this dimension. A dimension ruled by a cruel and unkind god. I took it upon myself to come to this land, and quash the herald of evil that resides here. So, here I am, pursuing this evil so that this worlds inhabitants might live in peace.

Halcyon sighed, You are a polite man, and I enjoy that. I can sense purity and kindness in your heart, and a desire to help others and I respect that. Halcyon did not show it, but he felt like he wanted to vomit, just saying those words. I am sure that you will be able to control the power of the Stones of the Hero... Speaking of which, how exactly did you come into possession of this artifact?

~IN THE BEGINNING~

The Old Boar's Inn; Bar
Time: Third Hour of MiddleDay
[Missile/Pullo/Ganti/Kresnik/Locien]

A dark cloud settled over Locien’s face as he nastily snatched his flask back, muttering as he did. If someone managed to catch it, the message would be quite dark indeed, “A lot better, seeing that you’ll be dead in an hour.”

Regardless, the next words would be much clearer, “What’s wrong with you? Stealing an alcoholic’s booze?!” The once cheerful manner Locien carried himself with had suddenly vanished, the limping bard sweeping up the last of his alcohol with an angry swig. Turning his attentions back to Missile, he curtly nodded, “Sorry love - I’ll need a raincheck, aye?” Grabbing Kresnik’s arm (but then thinking better of it with a noticeable release of his vice like grip), the elf verbally beckoned the hunter, “Right - enough fooling around. Supplies. Let’s get ‘em, mate.” Without another word, the bard strode off to the left, hastily making his way to a thick doorway, left of the inn's entrance...

====

Kresnike/Locien

The Old Boar’s Inn was a social hub, no two ways about it. In the Lows, there were famous establishments scattered to the four winds: Garcon’s, Madam’s Fashionable Boutique, The Hole. However, The Old Boar’s Inn was the centerpiece of it all, if not for its booze and entertainment, then for its marketplace. Kresnik would soon discover it if he followed his newest comrade through the darkened box of a room, the shady booths hiding individuals that would stop speaking if looked on for a second. Beyond the thick door would be a room impossibly high, holding all manner of life and trinket. Easily, it would resemble that of Wall Street, voices calling out madly as sales flew fast and thick. Fingers and hand gestures waved as verbal communication almost seemed impossible, the merchant’s sign language the only way to communicate more than a whisper’s length away.

The bard would gesture to Kresnik, placing his beer-reeking mouth close to the hunter’s ear. The shouting would be barely audible as the question wormed its way into the dhampir’s ear, “What supplies do you need, mate?!”

However, if Kresnik chose to wait for his meal, Locien would storm off without him. No doubt, he would be back, sooner or later, but what would happen next would be up to Kresnik…

====

[Missile/Pullo/Ganti

With the bard’s departure, the remaining party members would be left to the sounds of the Old Boar’s Inn. Kresnik’s display of guts and gore had been enough for a small break in the stream of customers, but now the establishment was back in full swing. “Davey” would be soon from the kitchen, holding a platter of food that would make mortal salivate - the chicken was truly cooked to the perfection, the mashed potatoes creamed just right and Bruce’s own dessert would be piping hot and begging to be eaten…

Meanwhile, Fitz’s wife would feel fine at first. However, something would be apparently wrong soon, a heavy weight building in her gut…

++++

Old Boar’s Inn; Kuroda’s Quarters
Time: Third Hour of MiddleDay[/center]
[Chad/James]

Chad’s rather blunt narrative changed the kitsune’s face for a moment. The anger slowly melted into the expression of a blank slate, a slight air of befuddlement painted across her eyebrows and mouth. However, once the futuristic man was finished speaking (and demanding for his clothing and equipment), another slap found itself planted on his stinging cheek. “You really don’t know how this works, do you Chad Master Funk?” Asked his less-than-amused captor. The more traditional kitsune sighed before turning back to James as the younger kitsune continued to speak, “I ask the questions around here, and I get to decide when you get your stuff back.” She paused again, giving his face an up-down look before asking another question, “And why should I believe you about this—“ Her hands waved in mock-fright, “all powerful evil god? It’s not the first time I heard something like this, and it isn’t the first time someone claimed the next doomsday.” She snorted, “And the explanation was told with far more excitement and detail.”

++++

???
Time: Second Hour and Third Quarter of MiddleDay[/center]
[Alec]

A chilling, single laugh was issued into his ear as the beak disappeared over his shoulder. The figure walked all the way around now, seeing that there was no struggle left in Alec, the umbrella firmly planting its tip in the crusted ground with a wintery crunch. The icy gaze looked down at the demigod as the voice continued to speak, “A wise assumption. However, I am not a cruel god.” The glinted gaze slowly met Alec’s, the dark coated god squatting to look into the dying man’s eyes. “Yes, I am the reaper. Yes, you are dying - this feeling—“ A froze leather glove jabbed at Alec’s cheek, “This cold, numb, peaceful feeling is what death feels like. Do you like it?” Another single laugh, colder than the first, “Do you want to give in, Alec Drop Bass? Or do you want an escape?”

++++

The Wildwood; 10-5
Time: Third Hour of Middle Day
[Nihil]

The self-proclaimed god would find little resistance in the air - his travels would be light and easy, soaring across the skies like jet, leaving a white trail behind him as he cut through the blue sky. As he traveled however, more detail would begin to appear, here and there. Among the fields, he would see groups of peoples (1 2 3 4) and creatures. Some very large and imposing, even monstrous. However, as the spiral became larger and larger, something would catch his eye.

The landscape of The Crossroads rarely changed (at least from an aerial point of view). While colors would differentiate, they would also be similar in shades. However, this something would catch any flier’s attention, for from a forest it emerged and immediately, the grasses of the field it stepped upon would be darkened, as if by some great shadow or evil. In the same direction it would be traveling as the Malefane. Whether or not Nihil would feel its pull, he would have to decide.

If he chose to plummet downward to inspect the new source of power, he would find the suns’ light quickly fading and darkness quickly absorbing any source of light. Even the air itself would feel thicker as he touched the ground. The field he would himself in would a grass most unusual. Its color would be varying yellows, oranges, reds and browns, its texture smooth. The touch, it would make musical notes, depending on its color. It would be firm, yet delicate, like that of an wind instrument of some kind. However, all of this might be lost upon the god as in the eye of the shadowy storm stood a woman sitting on her legs, her stockings disappearing under her thin thighs. Her tall hat would wisp like smoke, as her thick, ragged cloak cover her shoulders and her much of her form. There she knelt, as if waiting for Nihil’s words or actions…

But, if the call of the spire was too strong, Nihil would find himself soon at its resting place. In person, The Spire was impossibly large, winding dangerously, wickedly, into the sky. Its structure tall and dark, its very architecture spiny and dripping of power, protruded from the twisted forest that wrapped around its base. However, the god would himself in a predicament - not a few miles (at least this would be a quick estimate), the Malefane would find himself suddenly plummeting to the earth, all magic ripped from his being - apparently, this was a no fly zone. Below him would be nothing but tree limb and foliage to break his fall, but even then, the material of the wood would be sharp and unforgiving to the Malefane.

If he managed to somehow land safely on to the ground, the self proclaimed god would find himself in a swap, without natural sunlight and very, very wet.

++++

The Lows; Umbra District
Time: Third Hour of MiddleDay
[Nieet]

Reckless as ever, Nieet would find herself in a perilous predicament. Easily, she would be able to avoid being run over by small wagons and racing bi-wheeled vehicles (and somehow miraculously she would be avoid being stomped on by a great beast of burden), but just as the deal of a lifetime seemed within grasp, a monstrous eighteen wheeled truck came barreling towards the young woman…

However, Fate seemed to smile upon Nieet. She would feel something - something metallic, long, and pointy grab her torso, roughly yanking her from the path of the truck. The outrageous woman would feel the air behind her whoosh by as she plummeted forward, more than likely falling to her knees (perhaps even worse if she truly wasn't paying attention). The metallic object ended up being a claw (if she looked to see what was currently reeling her in), grasping both boobs in its vice-like grasp. A series of gleeful chuckles issued from the from the vendor. "Heheheh. Glad to see you made it."

Nieet

Still oblivious to the danger Nieet walked on. She was vaguely aware of a commotion in the street but she was far more concerned with the idiot yelling at her. Who the hell does he think he is? She thought, He sure as hell better have a hammer!

Small wagons, bikes, and even large beasts managed to avoid her, or her them, but a massive truck soon barreled straight towards her without the slightest indication of evasive action. Suddenly she felt something grop at her chest, hard. They were like metal claws. She looked on them horrified. All she had time to think was, What the Fu… Before the claws cinched down on her bosoms and yanked hard pulling her out of the street. She landed harshly on her hands and knees. She head some sort of chuckling coming from the idiot who yelled at her. It must have been him!

Nieet was still not fully aware of the physiological change that she was undergoing but it was well underway. Had she not been changing she would easily have been pulled out of the street only to land on her head leaving her unconscious. While currently the change made her less aware of danger it also left her notably stronger. She was not exactly surging with power at this point but certainly she had the strength of five or six times her own average. Her average strength was noteworthy even before the change began.

Nieet stood on her feet. If the claws were still clinging to her breasts she would pry them loose and scowl. “WHAT THE FUCK!!!” She would scream. Then she would stomp to the idiot and if not meet with resistance she would slap him across the face. With her current strength it would knock out a lesser man; but with a greater man, boy would it sting!
“Do you have any fucking decency at all!?!?! GET ON YOUR KNEES AND APOLOGIZE!!!”

The Story Master

The dark one spoke of his formation and his eventual creation of humanity and the stars and great beasts and all that is. Tyros knew only one God that had done all these things so he doubted most sincerely this flame-haired being was all that he said he was. However despite his doubt he could tell that the being was indeed powerful and likely ancient if it had ties to the amulet. He was careful to display only minor levels of awe upon his face. He dared not question the dark one, Halcyon’s tale.

Halcyon sighed, "You are a polite man, and I enjoy that. I can sense purity and kindness in your heart, and a desire to help others and I respect that. I am sure that you will be able to control the power of the Stones of the Hero... Speaking of which, how exactly did you come into possession of this artifact?"

"Thank you O’ Great Halcyon!" Tyros was truly ecstatic to hear this! "I have long sought to understand its power. It was my uncle who truly found the artifact. He was a great man. In my home realm, earth, he was a scholar and he raised me for a number of years. He studied archeology and mythology on paper, but truthfully he studied magical beings and artifacts. He would travel the world and return home with the most extraordinary things. I occasionally ventured with him. On our last expedition together we traveled to a remote jungle to locate a lost temple. The temple had a strange presence about it. We felt this before we even saw where it was. The entire structure was made invisible and we likely would not have found it if it were not for the over growth settled atop it, which seemed to be suspended in the air. In the depths of the temple at its very center we found the amulet. I was truly in awe at its beauty and so was my uncle; he had an almost mad grin across his face. He told me that I could have the honor of climbing the pedestal and retrieving it. But, he warned I must not touch the amulet with bare skin. I was foolish. I climbed up to where it rested and I stood and stared at it. A beautiful blue glow emanated from it. I was entranced. As if it were calling out to me I took a firm hold of it, ignoring my uncles warning, and I held it up in all its glory and suddenly I was gone from my realm, my beloved family, and all I once knew. I was thrust to another dimension and after that I was terrified to remove the amulet in hope that it might one day return me to my home. After many countless dimensional travels and after many years I ended up here in the crossroads. Only once did I ever think to remove the amulet from around my neck… But I was too late. Even now I feel rather nude without it about my neck…"

His soul mate Fitz seemed to be in a little bit of awe when he said,
“This is some straight up Frankenstein crap you got going on here Jeannot.”

Jeannot laughed a bit sarcastically, “Dr. Frankenstein did the guess work of a child! I on the other hand am an ethereal-physicist who conducts legitimate science! No guess work only experimentation here.”

Eventually the process finished and the body was ready for a trial. Before Jeannot could react Fitz spoke,

“Wait, Jeannot.” Fitz slowed his mind and it gave Jeannot an otherworldly calming sensation. “Remember what happened last time? The body was destroyed. Can’t we test this body somehow? See if it will work?”

“ Do you really take me for a fool? I thought the Frankenstein comment was a joke! If you remember I said this body might work out but it’s just as likely that it will explode like before. I was just about to ask you to hook up some electrodes to the body so we could monitor the fluctuation of spiritual presence. The body is without question strong enough to house your aura but it needs to be tuned to your personal specifications, if it doesn’t explode first. Also I’ve blown this lab up enough times to know that a triple polycarbonate ballistic glass shield was a good investment. If you wouldn’t mind flipping that red switch over there for me sir.”

Jeannot indicated this with his mind. A very thick glass-looking shield would lower, with the muted hissing of hydraulic fluid, covering the area surrounding the freshly printed body.

“With that we will only lose this one station. There are others don’t worry. Now! If you could hook those wires to the body we can get started!”

[Kresnik]
Kresnik's eyes drifted to the woman who bounded her way back to the bar. She had performed a great taboo, and he found himself enjoying her naivety and bravado. Ganti had asked them a simple question and a gleam appeared in his eyes. However, he would wait a few moments before responding, knowing how the elf would react. It was not unusual for a drunk, or pseudo-drunk in place of Locien, to get heavily upset when their drink had been taken away. Predictably, Locien went on a tirade. However, what Kresnik did not expect, was the elf's own inner dark personality. This is getting a little interesting. He thought, taking a final draught from his glass. With little to no concern for the glass, Kresnik threw the glass off to the side in response to the elf's grip. Thinking better of it, the elf removed himself from the dhampir and Kresnik kept his hard eyes on Locien. Locien, with a quick word, bolted for the door, knowing the urgency of their trek.

Kresnik then turned to Ganti with dark, serious eyes after the elf was far out the door, measuring her. "You're cordially invited to join us if you like. An extra set of hands would be welcomed," the dhampir told her, turning away. "Or, if you like, you can have my meal. It was only for show, after all," the Hunter shrugged, walking away and following the elf's path.
******
Kresnik found himself in an interesting market place, full of people and impossibly noisy. They performed sign-language the likes he'd never seen and his mood became darker. He knew of ways to quiet the masses, lethally and non-lethally depending, but he thought better of the thought. Pushing his way through the horde, Kresnik thought about the tools he would need. In one of his many pouches, he possessed all the needs for on-the-road potion making. His supply of potions would dwindle fast if he did not gather the ingredients necessary to make more. Reaching into the folds of his coat, he pulled out a small list and handed it to the elf, whom he barely heard above the din of folk around them; surprising, due to his above-human hearing.

In the air, he drew glyphs made of raw magical energy, violet-and-green flame spelling out a message. However, the shape of the glyphs did not become coherent until, with a wave of his hand, the flames vanished and Kresnik poked the elf's head, where a message would be implanted:

White roses, nightshade, wolfsbane, sawdust from an ash tree, silver nitrate, holy water, and dead man's blood. The list possesses the required amount of each of these ingredients. I would like for you to buy these in bulk. In the meantime, I'll search for other equipment. We'll meet back at the Old Boar's Inn. In the mean time, please gather a little more information.

Kresnik turned and began his own voyage through the crowd, seeking the darkest part of the market, into the invisible world where the most illegal and taboo are prized as signs of wealth. The black market awaited Kresnik and he steeled himself for whatever was going to happen.
*************
[Nihil]
Nihil found himself intrigued by the lifeforms below, curious about what they did day-to-day and why they bothered to live such a bothersome existence. Nevertheless, he looked away and thus onward to what lay ahead: the Spiral. However, he felt a surge of power and darkness, the sun fast fading and color darkening. Intrigued, and not wanting to be outshone in power, Nihil began his descent. What he saw was a woman, in the appearance of a witch, and he did not quite found her to be interesting after that point.

Only a witch... We had hoped the source of the power belonged to something far more challenging, the Malefane lamented. Nevertheless, he allowed himself to descend until he was five feet away from her, standing before her with arms crossed. "It would seem you possess much power," Nihil purred, his voice melodic and it rang through the mask he wore with an audible metallic din. "Perhaps you could assist Us?"

Chad Master Funk

After Chad's story, the kitsune paused and pondered... before slapping Chad again, causing him to let out another feminine high pitched yelp. “You really don’t know how this works, do you Chad Master Funk?” Asked his less-than-amused captor. “I ask the questions around here, and I get to decide when you get your stuff back... And why should I believe you about this—all powerful evil god? It’s not the first time I heard something like this, and it isn’t the first time someone claimed the next doomsday. And the explanation was told with far more excitement and detail.”

"Well if it makes you feel any better, that really hurts!" Chad retorted. "And if you really don't believe me, you can talk to his wife upstairs. Her name is Ganti. She is about 5' 6", she has dark blue hair with a lightening bolt highlight, a black star on her cheek, and bipolar. Plus..." Chad lifts an eye brow looking up at the kitsune, "even if I were lying, would you really take that kind of risk without at least making sure it was true?"

Alec Drop Bass

“A wise assumption. However, I am not a cruel god.” The glinted gaze slowly met Alec’s, the dark coated god squatting to look into the dying man’s eyes. “Yes, I am the reaper. Yes, you are dying - this feeling—this cold, numb, peaceful feeling is what death feels like... Do you like it?...Do you want to give in, Alec Drop Bass? Or do you want an escape?”

Alec's eyes widen as it finally hit him. Alec finally realized he was no longer in his nightmare, but in fact he was dead! But for some reason he wasn't bothered by it. "Dying you say? And you offer me a way out?" Alec musters up some strength to sit up. The pain was fading, and in its place Alec felt bliss. There was a certain pleasure in dying, all his problems, worries, and pain didn't matter to him anymore. "I admit this feels... good" Alec smiles in a way that he hasn't in a long time. There was no evil or sarcasm, it was genuine happiness. The last time he felt like this was when he was with Eva... and soon he would be with her. "...Very good..." Alec whispered when he came to this realization.

But Alec's smile soon faded. "But I can't stay here... not like this." Alec summons more strength to stand before the reaper. "To be honest, I am unsatisfied with my death" Alec says plainly. "There are some things I want to do before I can die..." Alec pauses for a moment and asks the masked Crow, "I assume there is a price for this 'escape' of yours? Name your price..."

~IN THE BEGINNING~

The Old Boar’s Inn; Marketroom
Time: Third Hour and First Quarter of MiddleDay
Kresnike/Locien

Kresnik’s spell weaving would draw the attention of a few individuals around the pair, earning mixed reactions of fear and surprise. However, since the spell’s duration was minimal, the alarmed patrons would go about their business, although a second, wary glance would be cast at the dhampir.

Locien would receive the magical grocery list, nodding once, and patting his new companion on the shoulder before melting into the crowd. Little would Kresnik know that many of his materials were rare in some cases, and expensive in others: demand would be high and less available without connections. Regardless, with the departure of the elven bard, Kresnik’s search for the “black” market would prove to be barren, at least at first. This, more than likely, would be expected by the experienced hunter - after all, why would it be a secret market if everyone knew about it?

Trained eyes would point towards three possible candidates. The first, whom would be a small, hooded fellow would dart in between the legs of taller patrons and skirt around the every flailing appendages of all attempting to buy or sell something. It would occasionally cast its goggled eyes this way and that, as if trying to find someone. While it would be ever present, attempting to make conversation with the thing, let alone “catch” it would be like attempting to pin down a treasure goblin hyped on cocaine. How Kresnik approached the scurrying… thing would result in one or two consequences…

The second target would be much more subtle humanoid, though none the less shady; finding it, however, would be more of a challenge. In the middle of the market, Kresnik would discover, a pavilion shaped office building. While there would be a small, tight door, it would be padlocked with a series of rune inscribed locks; its windows would be heavily tinted and no signs of life would be inside. Regardless, this possible merchant would be leaning against said building, a death like smile plastered on its face as it flipped a medallion with a long thumb in a bored manner…

However, the third would be behind a battered (if not shattered) wooden counter, crying loudly out to masses with the voice that belonged to a used car salesman who now had a job as an auctioneer. Granted, this wasn’t the shadiest of characters, but his sales pitch seemed promising:

“MMMMMMSTEPRIGHTUP, MMSTEHPRIGHTUP, ONLT THE GREATEST, RAREST MATERIALS OF THEM ALL. FANCY AN ODD TRINKET OR MYSTERIOUS BOX?? THENSTEPRIGHTUPRIGHTUPRIGHTUP, THE OMNIVERSE CAN ONLY WAIT SO LONG BEFORE ITS GONEGONEGONE!”

++++

Old Boar’s Inn; Kuroda’s Quarters
Time: Third Hour and First Quarter of MiddleDay[/center]
[Chad/James]

The young kitsune smirked at Chad’s retort, but his questions caused the small sign of amusement to disappear, her face resuming its usual displeased frown. She looked as if she were to ask more questions, but before she could, the older kitsune interrupted, “His reasoning is sound, my daughter. Now stop harassing him - he obviously means well, regardless of his… unusual methods. Now—“ The golden prison melted away into warm bath water, the block transforming back into its normal state: the luxurious bathtub, “release my guest and please fetch some fresh herbs.” The young kitsune looked more displeased than usual, her eyes scowling. However, with a small bow at the waist, she took her leave.

“I am Kuroda.” The remaining fox myth continued, smoothing her kimono, “How may I be of service?”

++++

???
Time: ???[/center]
[Alec]

“Ah…”

The plague doctor stopped pacing, or so Alec would realize when there was lack of crunching mud. Although the demigod would not be able to see it, he would feel the cold gaze of death on his back. “There is no price, or nothing that I want from you, Alec. The only thing that you have to offer is your soul… But I see none in you.” A sound of twisted amusement tainted the end of the sentence, “However, you call yourself a god, yes?” A sudden kick to his back would send the injured man sprawling into the frozen mud, a vicious series of caws coming from the gathered carrion that mysteriously appeared in the trees. “Defeat me, and I will let you live. If you do not—“ The tip of the umbrella punctured the sodden ground with a sharp tack, “Then you are doomed.”

++++

i]The Wildwood; 10-5[/i]
Time: Third Hour and First Quarter of MiddleDay
[Nihil]

At first, Nihil’s metallic voice would be met with only the whisper of the gentle breeze that blew across the strange plain. However, if Nihil persisted, the witch’s eyes would meet his. The strangeness of her eyes would indeed startle even the self proclaimed god, but again no words would meet his. This silence would continue only until Nihil did one of two things:

Firstly, if Nihil decided that violence was the only response to her insolence, the witch would raise an outstretched hand in a protective stance, her palm attempting to block whatever he swung at her, a quiet, mysterious voice speaking words into existence, “Harmeth me not, mine l’rd, for I am one that can marry aid thou in thy needs and wishes.” If the weapon of choice continued to swing towards her, however, the witch’s body would do something extremely disturbing: it would split in half. All organs, flesh, and bone would tear with a terrible scream, the blow negated by thin air. If the weapon was retracted for a second attack, the dark woman’s body would retract itself, piecing itself back together as she prepared for his next attack…

However, if magic was used, the witch would designate under the magical energy, her body transformed into ash as it was blown away. “Violence will not be needed hither, mine l’rd.” The witch would be two arms’ lengths from behind the Malefane, her practically naked body in plain sight, her tattered cloak wisping over her body as if it were living itself. “If it pleases you, how may I serveth thou?”

But, if Nihil decided that the witch was not as interesting as he had thought and turned to leave, her voice would call out to him, “Power I hold, aye, but of consequence it dost not mattereth.” As smooth as a shadow, she would rise, her cloak swallowing her exposed skin. “Assist, in what manner, mine l’rd? What is thy wisheth and desire?”

++++

The Lows; Umbra District
Time: Third Hour of MiddleDay
[Nieet]

The small merchant will giggle with glee as he reeled in the attractive young woman. After all, who would’t? However, the giggling would painfully cease as Nieet’s slap fully connected to merchant’s face, sending him sprawling head over heels (twice) as she screamed her feelings on the matter. “At least I saved you, yes?” It whimpered, gingerly standing up and cowering Nieet’s gaze burned into its soul. This, of course, sent it toppling to its knees, groveling at her feet, “I’M SORRY, SO SO SO SORRY PLEASE DON’T HIM ME AGAIN!”

Sniveling as it looked up, the merchant would continue to speak, tripping over its tongue, “Y-you still w-want the hammer, y-yeah?” While the answer was probably yes, the small creature couldn’t help but ask. If Nieet made her obvious demand, the creature would hurriedly beckon her, “Yesyesyes! Quick, quick, this way!” Running as if his life depended on it, he would sprint a half block before ducking into a door. If Nieet bothered to look up before entering, a broad wooden plaque would plainly state “Old Boar’s Inn Marketroom.”

===

The Old Boar’s Inn; Marketroomt
Time: Third Hour and First Quarter of MiddleDay
[Nieet]

The place would be a madhouse. All manner of voice would be speaking, shouting, calling, accompanied with all varieties of hand signals and flailing of limb as merchants and customers squeezed into the impossibly large room. “This way, miss!” A shrill voice called to Nieet, though she would barely be able to hear it. The small creature scurried this way and that until it reached a pavilion shaped office building. While there would be a small, tight door, it would be padlocked with a series of rune inscribed locks; its windows would be heavily tinted and no signs of life would be inside. A small fist would tap on the door, knocking in strange series of knocks. The locks would suddenly spring open as the creature beckoned Nieet. Once inside, the door would close behind them automatically, the locks clicking back into place…

The inside of the small building would be a labyrinth of piles and piles of trinkets, weapons, books, armor, clothes… the things that Nieet would notice would be impossible to take in as the shrill voice called out into the magical warehouse, “Bossman! I got a customer for ye!” A grunt and a clatter of metal would suddenly sound off the left as a being creeped out of the packrat’s nest. “64! What have I told you about bringing someone in without an invitation?!” The goggled creature cowered, sniveling as it did, “Yeah, Bossman, I thought if I saw a customer, I should bring them in and she really wanted a—“
“I don’t care what you thought!! I only care what I WANT.
Sixty-four, now completely cowering flat on the floor, would whimper as a taloned foot punted it against the door, “NOW GET OUT AND FIND MORE CUSTOMERS!” The assistant needed no more encouragement, as it fled the scene with a slam of the door. The six eyed merchant would sigh audibly before turning his attention back to Nieet, “Now — since you’re here… What’cha looking to buy?”

Chad Master Funk

“I am Kuroda.” The remaining fox myth continued, smoothing her kimono, “How may I be of service?”

Chad was able to relax his body and lean back on the tub, letting out a deep sigh from being constrained for so long. "Pleasure to meet you" Chad smiles. "As I said before, I am looking for people that can help me stop Fitz, and also somewhere I can upgrade my equipment." After a moment of thought Alec turns to Kuroda with a bigger smile and wide eyes. "I hope this isn't too much to ask but, do you think your daughter can join us?"

Alec Drop Bass

“Defeat me, and I will let you live. If you do not— then you are doomed.”

"I have no soul?..." Alec thought "That doesn't make any sense. How could I be alive this whole time without a soul?" Alec stood up once again to face the Crow, "You must be joking. How can you expect me to fight in my condition? Anybody would know that's just plain suicide..." As he spoke his wounds suddenly started healing. Normally this would be second nature to Alec, but this time he was surprised. Alec felt a presence beside him. He turns his head to find his manifested powers from the beginning of his nightmare standing beside. Before Alec could say anything the manifestation just nods and places its hand on Alec's shoulder and dissipates, returning its powers back to its rightful owner.

Finally after many trials and tribulations, Alec finally got his powers back, evening the playing field between these two gods.

[Nihil]
The god grew irritated at being ignored by the strange woman, finding her Higher-Than-Thou mannerism an opposition to his might. As if to emphasize that he was the stronger of the two, he let loose his electromagnetic field, generating an aura of static electricity and pressure. Black translucent ribbons of raw magical energy also flooded from his person, causing more pressure to build up until it was similar to heightened gravity. This minimal display of power had caught the woman's attention, her eerie eyes intriguing the god. Pleased, and a little off guard by the intensity her gaze, Nihil reeled in his power, the aura becoming skin tight once more like that of a normal person, save for arcing electricity running over his lithe frame. The ribbons of magical energy faded into nothingness, as well.

Sadly, the Malefane took her continued silence as a form of defeat. "Pitiful," Nihil muttered, turning and preparing to leave. "We were hoping you would have put up a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless..." With that, Nihil took three steps before she spoke, at long last, and a smile formed upon his lips beneath the mask.

“Power I hold, aye, but of consequence it dost not mattereth. Assist, in what manner, mine l’rd? What is thy wisheth and desire?” The witch replied, much to the god's glee. He turned to face her, his hidden eyes alit with pleasure. However, it was his turn to be silent for a long moment, looking her up and down. Were his own ego not so heightened, he would have found her attractive, taking her body unto himself for a night of ecstasy and pleasure. However, he solely wanted to add her power to his own. Perhaps he could find a use for her...

"We seek to build an army," Nihil began, his tone empty and devoid of humanity. "This world is in much turmoil. It is nigh time to have these inhabitants bow before a power that can, and will, tear them asunder. They must be baptised in despair, cleansed of their sins and heresy. Our power shall wash over them. Only then shall they be free of the mortal coil; only then shall they know the Path to the Promised Land. Will you aid Us?" Nihil asked, bowing before her. Whether she knew it or not, the witch did not have much of a choice, for the Malefane was a truly fickle god.
*************
[Kresnik]
(Coming Soon...)

Garret followed the woman carefully, his stance relaxed and controlled as she tugged at his hand. The knight's deep blue eyes were studying the woman's face as best he could. She walked on, asking question after question of him. Questions that, truthfully Garret didn't really know the answers to himself. Nevertheless he would answer, his sharp features ever policed into neutrality. "I am as I am, trusting or not, brave or not. Is a man fit to judge himself? I think not."

Though Garret wasn't much of a philosopher he still felt that his response was true. Otherwise he wouldn't have said it. She asked a couple more questions of him, to which he had no answer. What did he hope to accomplish here? What was Aquiladei's purpose in bringing him here? And what was going on back on Ascalon? These questions were very important. Yet he could not know the answers, so like a true knight he shut away his doubts and concerns, letting the task at hand consume his mind. Find a safe place.

The woman stopped suddenly, and the Knight followed suit. She turned towards him, her body ever so close to his. If he were to reach out his hand her form would be right there, it was nearly a lover's embrace. Still Garret retained a stoic posture and neutral expression as she asked a very tantalizing question. “Do you like holding my hand?”
He studied her face very carefully before giving any sort of reply. "Perhaps I do." He admitted to her, he would've needed to be some kind of unfeeling beast to not enjoy it at all. Still his eyebrow arched and a light smile played at his lips when he asked his own question. "Do you like holding mine?"