The pink-haired woman frowned a bit when Alexandre confessed to not actually being a sword master. "I see." She crossed her arms over her chest and only stared at him for a moment with a disappointed look, but that soon turned into a smile. "If you ever want to truly learn the ways of the sword, just ask." Hana gave him a thumbs up before holding her left arm out. A white glow came from her hands as her Requip magic came into play. Once the light settled down it was easy to see what she had summoned. A black sheathe with the katana still in it, the hilt just as dark. "It's much better to use real swords, after all." Hana's right hand reached across, pulling the katana from the sheathe slightly to reveal the blade.

Even the steel was black. "This was my first sword that I could actually call my own, the Infinity Blade. A legendary weapon that my father had procured and passed onto me the day I defeated him. Here, feel how light it is." Without much warning, Hana completely drew the weapon and tossed it to Alexandre. He would find the katana to be rather light, though probably not as light as his own blood sword. "The katana design is the best. Perhaps you should consider using... that... as your..." Hana slowly turned towards the bar, facing Matt and the returned Ira.

"Excuse me for a moment, Alex..." The sword in his hand and the sheathe in Hana's glowed white as they were sent back into the pocket dimension. All the while Hana herself approached Ira. She came between him and Matt, standing very close to Ira though not in any particularly threatening fashion. "I'm surprised," Hana told him, before moving her face closer to his, as if she was trying to see directly into his thoughts. "You know if he wakes up that you will probably die, right?" After examining his face for a moment, Hana removed herself from his personal space. "I can't understand why you decided to come back..."

Erin Draven

Erin's peaceful moment with the birds and the cat was abruptly ended when a man raced by and into the guild hall, scattering the animals away. Erin's smile faded a bit, and then returned as one of the small birds quickly came back. It was his favorite, on that had a splotch of black feathers on its breast. He stood slowly with the little bird perched upon his finger and then walked into the guild hall, transferring the bird to his shoulder as he stepped over the threshold.

Inside Erin scanned the hall with his normal smile, noting the man who had raced by talking to Tessa. With a slight shrug to himself he walked over to one of the tables and sat down. Placing his finger next to the small bird for it to climb on he held it up as a greeting to Matisuki, who seemed to be a little sour at the moment as he was pushing out his aura. The bird just stared at Erin and chirped happily as he stroked it's feathers gently. Despite the interruption to his moment with the animals Erin was still in a very pleasant mood.

@Ira
@Lmpkio
@Forsythe

Looking up from underneath the tree she couldn't help but sigh looking and examining the key was doing her nothing she couldn't figure it out on her own. It seems she might have to ask for help after all but she was at a loss on who would be best with something like this. No offense to anyone they did not seem like the type to be into the whole hidden treasure or the exploration of ruins like she was. Still she thought as she got up to head to the hall perhaps someone would be able to figure it out. Pocketing the key her destination in mind she headed out perhaps she should go and grab some food while she was at it as well.


She was trying her hardest not to pay attention to the chaos that was happening around her. Sadly it seems that it was having little effect as far as she knew someone came in started a fight left only to come back again. Seems counterproductive if you asked her but that was her own opinion. She thought as she went back to writing her book it was going to be a masterpiece that much she was sure of. Though with a sigh she closed the book and tucked into her jacked it seems that today she would not be able to work on it much. Looking up she sighed as she walked up to the person who was seemingly the cause of the distraction. "Leave, I believe there is no place for you here." She said with a monotone as she stared at the person who ruined quiet time she was using to work on her book.
@Ira

---

Isshum was starving so it was no surprise when the fireball landed in his mouth and was engulfed wholly. A renewed, fierce smile played on his face as he wiped away the smoky taste on his lips. As he led Team Fireworks back home, he shrugged his shoulders at Belial’s question. Not knowing exactly what he wanted to do first.

“Why not get some training in once we’re back. A good spar will do me good, that Golem giant was far too easy.” he admitted with a small yawn. “Afterwards we’ll try to pick up a S-Rank mission again. Maybe they’ll finally let us get one. We’ve been tearing through the B and A rank ones.”

In the distance, he could see the beginnings of Magnolia town. It was only a hour or so away now. Soon he’ll be able to get some Living Flame magic in his gut. His smile widened into a grin at the thought.

@Demon Shinobi

@Demon Grave
@Ira


Once Matt realizes that the black mage sensed his dark aura, he continues to focus it on him, but locks everyone out of being exposed to such a powerful aura. After all, who does like the feeling of a dark force upon them? Good thing too, since he sees another mage come up, Erin, with his bird perched on his finger. The bird calmed his mind as he chuckles slightly.

"Ah, now that's a cute bird." he says to Erin, "It's been awhile since I've seen you around here. Still an animal lover huh?"

"I could say the same for you, Lizard Man." She had just arrive and catch the words of what her comrade, Matt have just said, to others it may sound like eavesdropping and being in the said location for quite sometime which could lead to misunderstandings. She also sensed a powerful aura but couldn't care less about it and just ignore it for the meantime, there is something else she must do. "I'm not planning to crash any party by just chilling around but if there's going to be any confrontation, count me out, I will sit back and enjoy the ride."
@LmpKio

The samurai woman gave Ira a skeptical look. "So you know, I wasn't talking about that guy," she explained, pointing her thumb back at Matt behind her. "I was talking about that guy." Keeping her hand in the same place she brought her thumb in and extended her forefinger, pointing up at the sleeping Revan in the rafters. Ira would make no mistake in recognizing the man that was prepared to kill him earlier simply because he didn't like him. "But you see, I'm different from those two. I am just as strong, but I see things differently."

"And that is why you will talk with more respect and dignity." Her expression was serious, bringing her hand back down to put her elbow on the bar and prop her head up with her fist. "You do not carry an honorable presence. You cannot expect to be given respect when you do not give." Hana's other hand came up, reaching out and poking Ira in the forehead with her index finger gently. But she kept her finger pressed against his head. "You had asked my name before, but Revan did not answer. My name is Hana Oshiro. The Last Samurai. You speak like you aren't from Fiore. So we have something in common. But, so you know, my friends don't like your attitude. They may ask you to leave, but instead I'm asking you to change it."

Now she retracted her finger from his head, instead pointing it towards the ceiling. "Many of the wizards here have been hardened by a war several years ago. Some have been hardened from before that. The fighting instinct and warrior mentality is the reason they are alive today. Myself included." A single cherry blossom formed out of thin air on Hana's fingertip, suspending itself just above it for a moment. Then it shot upwards like a bullet, slicing clean through the roof and leaving a thin, tiny hole as the pink petal blasted into the sky. The display was clear: Hana could've killed him easily. "So... what's your story, kid? You are either quite courageous or quite arrogant, and I want to know which. If you plan on coming around here more often I will have to fix a few things about you. Oh, and one more thing..." Now Hana looked over her shoulder at Matt briefly before giving the sleeping Revan the same glare above. "You don't have to worry about anyone attacking you. If you want me to tell you about Taka... then I'm going to need to know more about you..."

@Masaki Haruna
@Ira
@j8cob


Matt slowly turns around to see another mage behind him. He was greeted by the voice of one of his closest and probably one of his more longer friends, Gwen Sniegow. A faint smile and a chuckle escapes him as he ends with a sigh.

"Ah Gwen." he replies back, "It has been a long while too huh? Glad you can stop by and chill out with the rest of us~"

But then Matt heard Ira's nasty remark on the guild, changing his mood in a very nasty way. Several animalistic growls would escape his mouth as his eyes would stare at Ira with death. He also glanced at Hana, who glanced back at him, allowing him to at least calm just a little bit before he would start any riot. Cause almost everyone inside the building knows hellova lot better then to piss Matt off.

Yet Ira seems to be achieving that with relative ease...

Despite of this, Matt struggles to keep his cool. But if anymore foul words escape the dark mage's mouth or perhaps a sucker punch to a fellow guildmate, it will ignite the fire for a titanic brawl. Ira should pick wisely if he wants to avoid doing battle with a resting Lizardking...

As Taka went to look in the east and Kuroko to the west, this left Aiden(ironically) with the northern half to search, drag gin Bris along with him to help with the search. As the team combed the area, it would be Kuroko and Aiden that'd come across th best clues. Aiden found a large blade stabbed into the ground, a pattern seemingly burned into the ground around it. What this could mean, Aiden had no idea, but what made this a good clue was that their was a blood trail leading from the site further to the north. Kurko, on the other hand, would come across what seemed like silver brooch. Upon closer inspection, he'd find it inscribed with runes that held faint magical energy emanating from them.

Upon finding the site, Aiden would let out a low whistle as he approached, unsure of what to make of it but sending a blast of ice up anyway as it seemed to be a good lead. Once everyone assembled, Aiden would turn to his comrades, a questioning look in his eyes every time he glanced back at the blade.

"You guy's got any idea what this could mean, cause whoever did this did so deliberately and wanted someone to find it. I hate to say I think this is a trap but . . . I think this is a trap, which means someone will have to be the canary in the coal mine, so to speak. I suggest that me and Taka head in first, and when the trap is sprung, you and Bris come in to help us out. Not the best idea, but unless anyone else has a better idea, that's the one I think we should go with."

@Lmpkio

@WaddleDaisy

@Eklispe

The late afternoon sun reflected off the water's surface, creating a warm, orange glare off the peaceful waters as the sun began to disappear over the horizon. The heat was beating down on Marcus' face while he relaxed under a large oak tree in one of Magnolia's public parks. Children played by the water and families were packing up to go home after a long, fun filled day out in the sun. It was quite a comforting scene, and Marcus had spent a good portion of the day filling his sketch book with the everyday happenings of these strangers. He skimmed through his drawings before frowning at his attempt to imitate the glorious sunset that was before him. Truly, he couldn't do it justice without a set of coloured pencils or paints. He felt the lump of jewels in his pocket, considering visiting the craft store to purchase what he needed to really make his art invoke the same feeling of staring into the sunset. If only he didn't need to spend money on a place to stay. He could probably get by for another two nights in the city before he'd be on the street again. He sighed at the thought.

Deciding that he had spent enough time in the park, Marcus packed away his supplies into a rucksack and slung it over his shoulder. Standing up, he stepped out from the shade of the oak tree and ventured out from the park. It was hard to believe such a busy town could still hold so much natural beauty. Marcus' favorite location to visit in his short stay here was definitely the waterway where people rode Gondolas up and down the stream. It was so peaceful, walking back the water and waving to the happy people enjoying their trip down the stream. When he reached the end of the street, Marcus could clearly see the Wizards of Fiore guildhall in plain view. In truth, he'd come to Magnolia in hopes of joining the guild; having heard tales of the great wizards that resided there. Yet for some reason, he continued to procrastinate around the town. He was afraid, but for what reason? Rejection? Inadequacy? They were all pathetic excuses, and Marcus knew that if he didn't join the guild he wouldn't be able to afford to live in Magnolia anymore - and he had quite grown to like the place.

Trekking his way up to the main entrance of the hall, he could tell that the place was still filled with life even this late in the day. All he had to do was push the door open and he could be apart of it. That's all it would take. It was that simple. Moments passed and Marcus was still standing at the door. He took a few deep breaths and clenched his hand around the handle. Whatever will happen will happen, after all. Pushing the door forward, Marcus stepped into the Guild Hall and took notice of a large number of individuals. Nervous, Marcus approached the bar where a large, muscular man was talking with a shadow clad person with a pet bird and rather intimidating lady.
"Excuse me," Marcus was careful with his words, worried that he might say the wrong thing, "Pardon me for intruding so late in the day, but I was wondering who I might speak to about joining the guild". Marcus removed the mask over his eyes as a sign of respect, revealing a pair of light brown eyes that nervously stared at the group before him.

@Lmpkio
@Masaki Haruna
@Demon Grave

Bristlebane spoke up, "Hm, I don't see why I don't go first. I tend to have a knack for getting out of situations like those. Besides, if its an ambush they won't take me seriously, you guys all look like fighters, I look like a dashing bard, nothing to afraid of. Finally they didn't bring two canaries into the mines for a reason, you only need one." After all even if there was some sort of magical trap it wouldn't work on him. Even if he really needed to bail he had his Traveling Stone for a reason after all. "Also question, can I have that sword? Cause I really want that sword." Bristlebane said eagerly pointing at afore mentioned item. Maybe he should start a magic sword collection, if he got this one he would have two. Though he should probably get some formal training first, maybe flower lady would be willing to help him out.

@Raijinslayer

@Lmpkio

@WaddleDaisy

Erin Draven

Erin smiled broadly up at Matsuki when he complimented the little bird. "It is, isn't it," Erin replied in a quiet voice as he gently tossed the bird into the air, coercing it with a bit to fly around Matsuki's head and then letting it go about the hall on its own. "Animals agree with me more than people most days," Erin added as he watched the little bird fly around. After a few moments he turned his attention back to Matsuki "It hasn't been so long has it? I feel I only left just yesterday to deal with that rather grumpy mountain ape," he said with a chuckle, right before Gwen came up.

Erin's black robes fluttered around him as the door opened to admit a new face. The man wore a mask, but seemed a bit nervous as he approached. Erin smiled kindly at the man as he asked about the guild. "No need to be nervous, we're all friends here," Erin said as the man removed his mask to reveal his brown eyes.

The bird flew around and landed upon the newcomers shoulder, chirping brightly in his ear. With Erin's coercion of course. He believed that animals being of pure souls can welcome a person better than another.

@Leslie Hall
@Lmpkio

@Raijinslayer
@WaddleDaisy
@Eklispe


As Kuroku was checking towards the west, he would come upon a silver brooch of some sort. He picks it up and inspects it carefully for every detail. It happened to be inscribed with runes of some sort and he can feel a faint magical energy emitting from it. Whoever dropped it here must certainly be a mage of some sorts. Suddenly he sees Aiden calling for everyone else to come to his location via an ice blast to the sky. Putting the brooch in his pocket, Kuro quickly comes to his location, where they can all see a sword punctured into the ground. As Aiden had said... this must be a trap.

"Trap or not, we got to be cautious here." Kuroku replies to Aiden's remark, "Your solution seems logical."

He then listen's to Bristlebane's response.

"Your not as strong as those two Bristle." he replies, "So I suggest you stay back with me for the time being until we are needed...

And I guess you can take that sword... though the owner would probably not be happy if you did."

---

@Masaki Haruna
@Ira
@Leslie Hall

Matisuki Kiryuin

Matt turns around to see yet another new visitor, this one also wanting to join the guild like Alex. Already he has seen 3 new faces, including that dark mage who is giving the whole guild a hard time. Either way, he hopes that Ira will behave himself, or he will be forced to kick that guy's ass. However, now was not the time to show his ugly side, as he turns to the new mage and makes a friendly nod.

"You can talk to me sir." Matt answers kindly, "Though right now it appears you caught us in a slightly intense situation.

He cocks his head and points his thumb at the dark mage.

"But first," he says, "What's your name young lad?"

Belial grinned listening to Isshum. It was interesting. Kind of awesome actually, to think that they could possibly get an S-Class job. Maybe it would work out this time. He was getting more and more excited. But then something crossed his mind. Another way to have fun. As soon as they arrived he knew what he was do. First, check the guild. And then act. "Right! But before we do that. I have an idea."

They were just getting closer and closer. And as they did, his grin simply grew larger and larger. For a moment he glanced at Vivian. Couldn't she have been home already if she really wanted. But then, he was sure she wouldn't leave him and Isshum. He on the other hand, wasn't above running ahead. Especially when his excitement got the better of him. Just like it did as they emerged from the forest. "I'll handle everything!" He couldn't help but shout before darting off, running much faster than one would expect. Was his energy limitless? Even after all they had been through?!

It was apparently so, as he was running full speed towards the guild of Magnolia. He was sure his guardians, his elders in Team Fireworks, would be behind him. But he wasn't waiting up. "Aaaaaahhh!!!!" His voice began to carry out louder and louder as he got closer and closer to the guild. It wasn't long before he crashed through the doors. Barely a minute passed and he picked out the person he was waiting for.

"MATT!" He smirked and took off towards the large muscular man, fire blasting from his feet, propelling him forward at higher speed than he'd been running. It wasn't unlike him to attack the mage who was much stronger than him whenever he got the chance. Though it might be odd for others to see. "This time you're not gonna win so easily!" He shouted, ignoring the tense mood of the guild with a dark presence and the new faces. It wasn't like he didn't care. The 13-year-old boy was just too focused on this. Especially since it wouldn't be long before Isshum would join in. Maybe Vi would too! Hell, the lighter feel with his presence might even give rise to a few laughs at the kid's actions. As he flew at the huge guy, he would throw a punch aimed for the man's head, his fist ablaze.

Marcus was a little surprised when the small bird began resting on his shoulder, but nonetheless he was still happy that so far the guild was quite welcoming towards him. He stroked the creature on the top of it's head, making sure to be nice and gentle. He though about what the man garbed in black had said.
We're all friends here. Those words were very reassuring, and they made the group of loud drunks feel less intimidating. Marcus pulled out a piece of leftover bread he'd purchased for lunch earlier in the day and began feeding the crumbs to the bird nestled upon him.

The large, muscular man spoke next; informing the boy that he was indeed talking to the right person about joining the guild. Marcus was weary of the comment about the tense situation, but he had an idea of what was causing it. He tilted his head slightly towards all the fuss, sensing a lot of hostile energy directed at one individual in particular who seemed to be relishing in all the attention. Although the uneasiness of the stranger was replaced by an overwhelming sense of surprise when Marcus saw who was talking to him. Hana Oshiro, an incredibly famous Wizard who Marcus may or may not have been a fan of, was standing not even half a room away from him. He was so starstruck that he had to consciously remind himself to close his gaping jaw before the kind people in front of him considered him to be rude.
"Please forgive me. I must admit that I hadn't expected to see quite as many famous wizards here." He laughed it off, trying not to sound like a complete loser.

The muscular man asked for his name, which caused Marcus to step back in shock slightly.
"Ah, of coarse. I probably should have started with that." Clearing his throat, Marcus pointed his thumb at his chest confidently and spoke. "The name is Marcus Clementine. Back in the circus, my old boss and colleagues used to call me Limbo. If it's not too much trouble, I'd prefer to keep that pet name. It's grown on me over the years". Marcus flashed a smile, adjusting his mask with his right hand. All the uneasiness of being in a new place seemed to just wash away. At first he thought it was because after spending years as a performer, he'd be adjusted to being around strangers. However as he stared upon the faces of the people he would grow to call comrades it became more evident that their welcoming nature was what made him feel so at home around them.

Before the warm, fuzzy feeling of belonging could get too comfortable, Marcus' train of thought was interrupted by a loud scream and the touch of intense heat coming from behind him. Quickly turning around to face where it was coming from, Marcus was met with the sight of a boy younger than him flying at what seemed to be directly at him. With a cry of confusion, a gray magic circle materialised underneath Marcus' feet. With only a few moments left before the strange boy collided through Marcus to get to his target, who he presumed was the man behind him, Marcus' body entered the Rift Plane and the boy passed through his form as if Marcus were a ghost. His heart racing inside his chest, Marcus panted as he imagined what could have happened if he didn't narrowly avoid the charging little fire mage. Marcus turned around while inside the rift, unable to hear what was happening around him even though he could see everything relatively clearly. He'd hoped the muscular man wasn't harmed.

@Demon Shinobi
@Leslie Hall

Matisuki Kiryuin

Matt nods at Marcus' name, or in this case Limbo. He seemed like a very fine and polite man indeed.

"Limbo huh?" Matt asks curiously, "That's an interesting nickname. And you came from a circus? Hmmm, very interesting indeed."

He pauses as he takes a sip.

"Which circus may I ask?"

Yet right after Matt asked Marcus this question, he can hear the sounds of a rushing cry coming closer and closer to the guild. Matt sighs as he takes yet one last gulp. He already knows who that person is, which in a way made him chuckle a bit. However, he already has seen enough surprises today, good and bad. The doors slammed open as the boy, the hot-headed Belial, comes at Matt at full speed, ready to fight the muscular man. Matt growls as his right hand transforms into a charcoal black lizard-like arm and pushes the young wizard's face down to the ground, causing a slight crater in the floorboards. Thankfully this was not a knockout move on Matt's part, otherwise Belial would've made a bigger and deeper hole.

"Boy..." he says to him in pity, "Looks like your brain was larger then your stomach. Your cockiness will lead to your downfall if ya keep this up."

Aiden nodded in agreement to Kuroko's assessment, as Bris' fighting power wasn't the best. However, he was a trickly little bugger, and thus, would do better bringing up the rear and playing the part of the gallery, Kuroko was the secret weapon for in case things went to shit. As much as Aiden hated to admit it, the other Ice mage was stronger than him by a decent margin, if not a large one, and the only reason Aiden's able to match Kuroko in some instances is because of his abilitiy to leech off the man's attacks, though that only got him so far.

"Anyway, let's get a move on, then. Bris, take the sword if you want it but don't you think it's a bit big for you." Aiden called back to the excitable mage, as the blade was rather big, requiring at least 2 hands to hold properly. Upon lifting it, Bris would find that the blade was definitely not normal. It was radiating warmth like a living thing, a fair amount lighter than it looked, and seemed to make a ghostly keening sound as it swung through the air. Other than those qualities, however, the sword was about the same as any other blade.

After that had been taken care of, Aiden led them on towards where ever the blood trail took them. Eventually, the trail led to a large cave entrance decorated with bones, feces, and who knows what else. Making silent gestures for the others to keep voices low and for Taka to head in first while he followed shortly after.

@WaddleDaisy Can you continue the Troll cave. I'm hitting a blank right now, but since I didn't want to leave people hanging, I posted a little something. Please help.

@Lmpkio

@Eklispe