-Redacted-

"Then I will go. And I'll be right back and give you a report when I do so." Amelia said before gently getting out of Sam's grip. "We'll continue talking when I get back, okay Sammy?"

Getting out of her seat, black sprites came out of the same colored gems on her wings and sunk into the shadows which moved and swallowed her up, taking her to the scene of the battle. Upon arrive, she looked around, seeing two different battles going on and Phlegethon watching it all, having taken the spears of water with little to no damage. Sighing, she walked over to her spirit.
"I thought you were going to fight." She said.

"I will when I am needed. My primary target is the thing over there." Phlegethon said, pointing to Nidohgg.

"That's a man." Amelia said.

"No, it is not. It is something else. But for now, my opponent, should I chose to engage her, is that girl over there." Phlegethon said, pointing to Manami. "She is in the middle of a crisis of faith, more or less. A case of denial possibly. But, should she continue down the path she is on, damnation is all that awaits her."

Amelia looked at the girl before sighing.
"Undine, I require you're help." She said. The black sprites returned to her wings while blue ones left, gathering and forming the water spirit, which raised it's hands and controlled Manami's water so that instead of going towards James, it instead was sent skywards. Walking forward, she got between the two, before looking at James. "I'll fight her sir. If you will let me."

Turning to Manami, she saw the pain in the girl's face, or was is desperation. She felt pity for her, but right now, her concern was to take her down, regardless of how she felt.
"Why are you doing this? Why are you attacking my guild mates?"

James heard the sound of rushing water as the tendril swung and he braced himself behind his shield, waiting for the blow. However, instead it came down like rain. He lowered his shield and found Amelia and a water spirit of some kind between himself and Manami, questioning her attack on the group. James stepped forwards, next to Amelia, and placed his shield on his back, resting a hand on her shoulder. "She's not in a mind state to answer, Miss Amelia. Some of the things I've said seem to have some rather...adverse consequences. I am attempting to free her of the lies she was told by a rather evil man, for all the good it's done. I'll do what I can to help however." He removed his hand and removed his shield from his back, taking his ready stance. "Answer her, Manami. There's no harm in it, but harm her, and I will return it to you."

Ferrin's deadly stare was met with a bored indifference as his first three slashes made contact, only for the fourth attack to suddenly be halted as Nidhogg grabbed the blade while it was in mid-swing, the grasping appendage morphing into Assault Form in order to better handle the heat coming off of it. As soon as it was in his grasp, he'd give a quick twist of his hand, breaking it neatly in two with little effort, followed soon after by a high-speed palm strike to Ferrin's chest by Nidhogg's unchanged speed form hand. While the strike itself wasn't the strong, it was supplemented by a drill-like spear of steel-like that would burst from his palm as he struck, packing enough force behind it to rend through metal, as well as the fact that it was rotating at rather high-speeds to add to it's power. This, of course, made a bloody mess of Nidhogg's hand, but he was rather unfazed by the action. The spear would extend about a foot or so, and if Ferrin was still alive and active, the attack would soon befollowed by the floor underneath his feet to explode into large bone spikes, and would continue to do so as long as he was touching the ground.

MEanwhile, in order to keep Cody from interfering, he would also summon a giant skeletal hand to rise up from underneath him, the fingers rapidly closing in around him before dragging him into the ground, the holy aura James put around him being conteracted by the intense necrotic energy that flared around the hand as well. If Ferrin took to the air to escape the spikes that menanced him from below(or simply evaded the spikes for too long), he find a similar fate for him as more gigantic hands would burst from the ground to swat him down and converge on him. Unlike with Cody, these ones were extremely dense and heavy, and thus when they came down on him, it'd be like being hit by a heavy-duty semi-truck. Multiple times too, as about 5 hands would rise to crush him, followed by an explosion of Necrotic energy to hopefully finish him off.

While this was going on, Nidhogg would be watching Manami's fight from the corner of his eye, and he couldn't help but feel a growing annoyance with the Water Saint as she seemed to fall so easily to her foe. The fact that Nidhogg had actually gone through with complimenting her before this embarrassment only drove him ever further. So, while his attacks were keeping Cody and Ferrin more than busy, he'd shift fully into speed form and zip over to the other group in the blink of an eye, standing over Manami with his back to the rest of them. If James or the rest tried to attack him while he was occupied with her, they'd find themselves to be assaulted by the same skeletal hands that were Cody and Ferrin were dealing with, wreathed in necrotic energy as well. However, if one payed close enough attention, they'd notice that no matter what happened, Amelia herself would never be harmed or put in danger by the attacks, as the hands would never get near her, and if she attacked, only her spirit would be targeted, and even then, it would seem like the hands were taking the greatest care not to harm Amelia in the slightest.

"Is this really all it takes to shake your faith? A few judging looks and harsh words from men who are your enemies?" Nidhogg would sneer at the woman as she stood before him, utterly disgusted by the weakness she was showing right now. "I don't know whether I should laugh in your face or pity you? So what if they claim your beliefs to be hypocrisy? You're free to do whatever you wish, no matter what anyone says. Don't let them try to shackle you down with their own beliefs, and don't let them get into your head, yeah?" As Nidhogg spoke, Manami would notice a slight change in is demeanor and eyes, the red seeming to fade away into a warmer brown, his stance seeming to gain some modicum of a worriedness to it. But as soon as it appeared, it vanished as Nidhogg turned around to face his foes.

At this point all of his other undead constructs(except for the golem in the sewer) would cease to try and kill the Phoenix Wing Mages, though Cody would still be trapped underground(if he was caught of course). Looking at Phlegethon, he'd simply grin before shifting his eyes towards the girl, noting that she had summoned a water spirit and quickly connecting the dots from there.

"So, Horseman, you went and found yourself bound to a little girl? How interesting, though I think you've brought her into a fight that is quite over her level. If something were to happen to her . . . well, it'd be quite tragic, would it not? But I digress, if you've come to slay me, can we get it over with already? This has grown to be a rather tedious affair, all things considered, and I'd hate to drag things out any further."

@Zarkun@Lunarlors34@Joshua Tamashii

---

Meanwhile, in the sewer fight

---

As Joshua blocked the attack with his attack, he'd feel pain sprout from his arm as some of the tendrils from the arm stabbed themselves into the nearest available flesh, and while the following attack would set the fleshy tendrils alight, it would spread to him if he didn't act fast. The creature, on the other hand, would simply extend the tendrils before it, forming a shield of bone and flesh that would take the brunt of the hit, and while some flames did get through, the damage from the flames would be dampened by the steam that rose into the air from both the fire brought up from the attack, but also the flames that the creature doused themselves in afterwards, though this was followed by a pained howl as the holy element of the water began to eat a little bit at it's flesh. After that, however, the sounds of heavy foot-steps would suddenly stop, the thick steam that rose into the air blocking view of the creature for a moment, before another howl would suddenly reverberate from the steam, drowning out all other noises and even escaping into the city above through the multiple holds made by Nidhogg's weakening of the ground via numerous collisions. This would be accompanied by barrage of tendrils made of both flesh and bone surging forth from the mist at every angle, seeking to completely and utterly eviscerate the two. However, Joshua would have a split-second to notice that the greatest concentration of tendrils was to his right, while the least amount of tendrils was to his left.

@Roseletta@Joshua Tamashii

---

Optional Post for Cody(if he gets trapped)

---

While Cody was trapped underground, a voice would seem to speak to him, though the language wasn't one that he knew. This voice sounded old, and despite the fact that he couldn't understand the exact words, the meaning still got through. It spoke directly into his mind, asking him a single question.

Do you crave Freedom? Do you wish to be unbound from the tethers of this world? To become strong?

As these words drifted through his mind, he'd feel a jolt run up through his spine like a shock to his system. For a moment, he'd feel connected to something huge, bigger and older than anything that he could possible imagine, and it was filled to the bursting with power.

Only through strength, can one become truly free. . . to do whatever they wish and grasp whatever they desire.

@Lunarlors34

Argus Leandros

Argus was getting annoyed by this town, filled with so much weird shit that he couldn't tell what he was supposed to be on the look out for. However, luck seemed to be on their side as Brass seemed to recognize a guy from the ground who seemed scared shitless. Upon listening to his story, however, Argus couldn't help it as one of his hands tightened around the blade he was currently wielding. While he did want to help with the search, he was more worried about the people of the town, as the mages could more than likely take care of themselves. The townsfolk, however, wouldn't be able to do anything if these undead creatures made their way towards the town.

He looked towards Brass, wondering what the man would do, and he could hide the sigh of relief as the man split the group up, a smile creeping across of his face as he heard that he would help take care of the creatures at the chapel.

"Well, that's why we're here, isn't it? Whatever the case, lets take care of these monsters before anyone else gets hurt, so lead the way."

@Lugubrious

@Lugubrious@Caits



They arrived and god was this just confusing and annoying, almost everyone looked like a culprit in this place. He kept a normal blank expression on him, but if he wouldn't get in trouble, it would probably be anger and yelling. He was about to but thank god the most odd sight of all was seeing one of Gabriel's spirits out and about, Brass and him were closer so Brass signaled the other to come over. Yet before they could a stranger came over who Brass seemed to recognize and told them that something was going on in the chapel. Something about some clerics being killed. Ike looked at Brass who was thinking of what to do, and then came up with a game plan which he kind of didn't fully approve of. He would have sent Riona to follow the bear to find their comrades, have Argus go back to camp for reinforcements, and himself and Brass would go to the chapel. Riona had the energy to follow the bear and get to their comrades quickly, and having Argus in a place where death was happening probably wouldn't help him at all. Yet Ike just sighed and nodded. "As you say." Ike said turning away from them.

Walking over to Gabriel's spirit Ike looked at it and nodded. "Lead me to your friend, as quickly as possible if you would. I rather not waste any time." Ike said although he was sure the group was fine for the most part, Enma was apparently strong enough he got a rule set in that during a test at the guild, you couldn't destroy the area. He was also sure Mercury could hold his own, and Gabriel..... could do something if he stopped being too gentle with his spirits. Treat them like friends sure, but they are there to help you.

@Lugubrious



It was a good thing Brass and Ike spotted something, cause she was lost one hundred percent, just as she had gotten over, Brass was talking with some distressed male, who was asking for their help. Something about clerics being killed. A slight pain went through her, seeing what it was like for someone to care about their friends being killed. She after all had been the one to kill said friends, being on the end of hearing them ask for someone to save them was enough to make her feel a bit guilty. So when Brass gave the order and Ike was walking away to his and Argus acknowledged his, Riona looked around and nodded. "R-right, sure thing." She said saluting before taking off in a sprint. It took her a minute or two after full on sprinting but she had arrived gasping for air, as she looked around. "Genral Sanders!" Riona shouted as she made her way further into camp, finding the man and wasting no time reporting. "Brass said to.. tell you to get everyone up in arms... and head to the chapel." She said in between breaths. "A man reported... that someone is killing the clerics...Argus and Brass are on their way their now.... Ike is looking for the others... Thats all sir." Riona said placing her hands on her legs trying to regain her breath.

Trinity Stratos

Trinity stepped inside the ship behind the Karns, gazing at the blueprints Eddy found. She had been more interested in the engine room below that she hadn't noticed them before. Before she could make any comment, however, a voice spoke from within the ship. The minstrel snapped her attention away from the papers, hopping back just a little and preparing to conjure Energy Make, but she relaxes as she analyses the situation.

This person was not interested in her, or even the ship, from the sounds of it. So what was this about Karn being a miracle cure?

She was unsure of what to make out of the woman, watching her carefully. "What, did you follow us here, then? Hmn. Seems like everyone has fans these days..." This woman wanted to help Eddy get home... but for such a strange price?

Eddy seemed to consider it, but released the cat. The creature scampered away, out of the ship. Eddy looked back at her, and Trinity stepped toward her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We can figure this out together, Eddy. You made the right choice."

A sweet smile turned to a stone gaze, as she gazed at the strange, thin woman. "You. Who are you and what's your game?"

The stranger simply grinned and shrugged a little. "Ain't it obvious honey? A little bird spoke of a little forbidden spell being activated. And it was being wasted. And it's something just about anyone would want to use for themselves. To bring the dead back to life. Course there is a good chance for it to fail, but hey, no skin off our backs of the sacrifice soul gets obliterated. After all, that's what you Phoenix's are basically doing. And from what I see, the soul chosen is better off dead." she mused, while Edo-Karn just narrowed her eyes a little.

His opponent's speed and strength caught Ferrin by surprise, Nidhogg caught his sword, and twisted, as to break it. Ferrin comprehended the danger, and he relased his grip, causing the sword to be tossed away. Nidhogg went in with a drill, but Ferrin grabbed it with his Gauntlet, and with Aether-bourn strength, stopped it. The drill was strong, but his Gauntlet was built from an Adamantine alloy, so it was the next best thing to indestructible. Holding it back was a struggle, and the drill threw up sparks as it rotated in his grip. Nidhogg started speaking to the others in the park, completely ignoring Ferrin. It did irk him a little, but that did not, and would not interfere with Ferrin's fighting ability. "Hey, Bonehead. You want conversation, I'm right here." He spoke through gritted teeth. Spikes and hands suddenly erupted from the ground, ready to impale him. Ferrin formed a fist with his free hand, called to the earth, as he lifted that hand in a genture. A great square piller of stone erupted from the ground, breaking the spikes, and pushing him, and his unwilling passenger, upwards several stories in the air. As Nidhogg was still in his grip, the jolt would have enough force to pull his arm from his socket. Up in the air, Ferrin spun, flinging Nidhogg into a building across the park, shattering the wall, and driving him into the building. Figuring that would only piss him off, Ferrin gathered Aether into his hands. The Aether became dense enough to see, manifesting as a swirling silver energy, threaded with gold, green and blue. It formed a ball in his hand, with a 'tail' trailing it. "Aether, TWIN COMET!" He shouted, tossing them, first one then the other. The balls of energy streaked across the park, and impacted with the force of a pair of meteors. The entire building shattered, and collapsed, the shockwave shattered every window within a block.

As Ferrin fell, he was met with a blast of energy that simply hit Cody's magic, and the wards upon Ferrin's coat and fizzled. The bone hands grabbed at him, but he released blasts from his Gauntlet to destroy each one. All but one. It grabbed him, and tried to squeeze him. But Ferrin was really hitting his stride now, and with a contemptious snort, he dentonated a blast of Aether around him, shattering it into pieces. He landed on his feet, hopped back a few time to check for spikes. Satisfied that there were none, He turned to the boy, behind him, and with a precise blast of Aether energy, he shattered the hand that assailed him. Remembering the bone dust trick, he called a large gust of wind to blow the debree away.

He grinned, and shouted at Nighogg. "Do I have your attention now?" He then turned to the kid who he had just saved twice, and fixed him with a yellow-eyed glare. "Kid, get the hell out of here. You are too weak to do shit, and I have better things to do then babysit the likes of you. I refuse to get killed protecting a weakling like you. Either fight, or go find a hole and hide." His lecture done, he turned and walked away. Did he mean what he said? Yes. Would he still kill himself trying? In a heartbeat.

Ferrin had a moment to catch his breath, and look around, although he was still on guard for anything Asshat would try. Most of the battles seemed personal, he guessed that most of them knew eachother. After the battle, he would try to catch one of them, and see if he could find out more about what was going on, but for now, he had a clear target and that was enough for him.

@Zarkun@Joshua Tamashii@Lunarlors34@Raijinslayer@Roseletta

@Plank Sinatra @Caasicam @Onarax

"Trail mix is healthy and good. There are bits of chocolate in it."

The swordswoman's eyes narrowed at the confirmation of the speedster's abhorrent taste, serving only to heighten the irritation in her expression. Almost as though proving a point, she ate a large handful of trail mix. Nuts, cereal, dried fruit, chocolate. Perfectly healthy, high in protein, and good for complex carbohydrates to keep one energized for longer spans of time without getting hungry. Not that the fickle aggravation that was currently the subject of her ire would know, given his penchant for the unhealthy form of food known as barbecue. Among other such dietary indiscretions. It would come back to haunt him when he grew old, and in that she found some small balm for her irritation. Such musings, however, were not relevant to their present task; nor would she permit herself to rise to any other barb. Such responses were counterproductive, and indeed only served to enhance his amusement at the situation.

Schooling her features back into a stoic expression, as per her usual modus operandi, and ate a little more trail mix followed by a long sip from her canteen. Stowing the canteen at her waist again and doing the same with her trail mix, she retrieved a piece of jerky and consumed that instead. She would return to her snack later, once she grew hungry again. Perhaps once she no longer had to deal with the speedster.

"Why do you not run ahead again? Perform reconnaissance."

My Hider [+]

Sora Kaze, Mai Butcher, Jess Butcher and Ethel Storm

@Infichi
Sora touched down about a block out from the park as he waited for the others to gather. Once Verrick arrived Sora would clear his throat to gain their attention, however Ethel was still nowhere to be seen.
"Ok so let's get a couple of things sorted out here kid. Our target here is a woman in her early twenties with white hair. She will be wielding a scythe, possibly wearing an eyepatch and will kill you on the spot if given the chance without a second thought. However in the case of no eyepatch, her left eye will have an insignia in it. Trust me kid you won't miss this chick. Her name is Shiro Hime, or at least that's what she goes by." Sora had a rushed tone to his voice, however he was only going to tell Verrick this information once. They didn't have the time to waste here to give multiple explanations.

He just needed to dump all the information the kid needed then they needed to move in.
"As stated her teleportation is a pain, but her enhancement magic will also be a hassle. She will be accompanied by another young lady by the name of Manami. In terms of combat power, she is the more dangerous of the two. Do try and avoid her. Our only goal is to get in, get Ethel's sister then get out. By what I saw earlier there are other mages here fighting them, but I'm not sure if they be friend or foe. It matters little, try and keep the fighting to a minimum." With that said Sora turned and walked towards the park as Ethel rematerialised just as they reached the chaos.

Verick nodded and took the information in. “Alright, So she’ll he wielding a scythe huh… that’s pretty sexy.” He thought to himself, he couldn’t deny it, Scythes were like one of the most badass weapons you could ever possible use. I mean hell, you have a massive blade attached to a pole. It’s amazing in it’s design and it looks cook when utilized in combat. Can’t complain, it’s super badass! Though the funny thing was her name was Shiro Hime, White Princess… hah. He snickered a little bit when her name was mentioned. There were other mages that were here fighting though? That should make things a little bit easier… Hmm… Well then…

With the others walking to the park, Verick followed behind and took a few deep breaths. “Alright then… Let’s try to avoid this chaos.”

@Zarkun@Joshua Tamashii@Raijinslayer@Crimson Raven@Roseletta
"Why?" Manami responded as she held her arms by her sides, fists clenched as she trembled. However it wasn't in fear or the like. To be honest she was certainly questioning why she was fighting James and Plegetheon, or rather mostly James, however the only answer she could give herself was that they were protecting the slayers.
"Why? Why?! Why must everyone get in the damned way?!" Something seemed to snap in her mind now, if it wasn't obvious by her outburst "Sinners...corruption...everywhere....must purge it all." Manami was once again holding her head as the pain from before now returned and threatened to rip her mind in two. At the mention of those words, a low rumble could be heard beneath their feet.
"Manami-sama!" Shiro appeared suddenly by her mistress's side now as Nidhogg made his way over as well it would seem. Shiro wasn't sure what exactly was going on, but she could see the healing wound and Nidhogg's words seemed to fill in some blanks. It would also seem there were more wizards here than before.
"...." Manami looked away as Nidhogg spoke, not able to look him in the eyes. He was right, as a member of Shadow Heart it was meant to be their belief to do as they pleased. However that hadn't sat right with her once.
But the general meaning of it wasn't lost on Manami.
"You're right...I let them get to me. I need to do this, otherwise it was a waste." She glanced at Shiro now as she said this before whispering towards the mage.
"I assume no problems then?" Shiro nodded briefly as Manami let out a sigh of relief before the sudden onslaught of Ferrin against Nidhogg. Well it was flashy, she would give Ferrin that.
However she didn't seemed too worried about Nidhogg, she was sure he would be fine....hopefully. Maybe.



@Zarkun@Joshua Tamashii@Raijinslayer@Crimson Raven@Roseletta
Cody barely had time to try and counter Nidhogg's attack on Ferrin, which it turned out he hadn't needed to anyway, before he found himself trapped within the grasp of the skeletal hand which Nidhogg had summoned. Domes and giant hands, they seemed to be this guys specialties huh? Wait-that didn't matter.
What mattered right now was the nectrotic energey surrounding him...thankfully it was being counteracted by the aura James had cast on him but it wouldn't last forever.
However now he could hear someone or speaking to him. Cody couldn't understand a word the voice spoke, and he didn't recognise the language. Despite this however he just....seemed to know what the voice was saying.
Do you crave Freedom? Do you wish to be unbound from the tethers of this world? To become strong?
As these words echoed throughout his mind, he felt a jolt through his back outwards. Like an electric shock, or perhaps a kick up the backside. It had only lasted a moment but he felt...power. Strange, ancient power.
Only through strength, can one become truly free. . . to do whatever they wish and grasp whatever they desire.
Cody hadn't much time to dwell on the voice now as he found himself freed by a rather unhappy Ferrin who then proceeded to insult the younger mage...even this man whom he had only met twice before knew it. Cody lacked the power-or really the confidence-to make a difference.
Maybe he should heed this man's advice...however his thoughts now turned to the voice from before and what it had said.



@Caits
"Flying? I've always wondered how that would feel. Sounds like fun!" Jasmine responded cheerfully. She wasn't really afraid of heights too much, but she never tended to go high up anyway so it wasn't like she could've tested it anyway. But like most people, she had dreamed of flying high up in the air...free as a bird.
She couldn't wait. However at the mention of the Moth person she frowned.
"I doubt it...last I saw them was the hotel."



@Zarkun@hatakekuro@oblivion666@liferusher@Caits@Raijinslayer@Lugubrious
Ash had been the first down, and now was the first one to go back up unless Thor wanted to first. Then she would allow the lightning mage to go ahead, however she would prefer to go ahead to make sure the coast was clear back up above ground. That and the place creeped her out a lot more than her pride would let her admit.
She craved the sunlight...however she was just met with disappoint from the dark, angry clouds which blotted out most of the sunlight. It gave a rather depressing mood to the atmosphere which wasn't that fantastic to begin with for the trio.
As they made their way back to report their findings however, they were met with the most horrific and obese woman Ash had ever come across in her entire life. Like seriously woman, by the way you dressed you looked to be a peasant. No excuse to be so damn fat.
However the glowing eye thing caught Ash completely off guard as the group was now surrounded by what seemed to be some sort of toxic fog....no. Not toxic. Magical.
It seemed to drain her of her will to live, drive away all feelings of happiness, never once embracing the sun. It seemed to target her very essence. However it would seem that she was in luck, Sanders had granted her unoffical member status but she was still allowed to wear the guild mark. And it was this very same mark on her left thigh that seemed to give her the will-no the ability-to act.

Even though she was moving sluggishly she managed to roll out of the way of the surprisingly fast woman's attack. Seriously a woman-or a man either- that size shouldn't be able to move like that, that was just plain bullshit. Stupid cheating fatso.
" Flames of the lord I call thee to punish these sinners." With whatever it was coming from the guild mark assisting her, Ash's right fist ignited into a white flame before she placed it against her skull. The flame seemed to disappear, as did the rune which had been etched into her mind. With that obnoxious obstacle out of the way, Ash allowed her fists to be covered in fire once more.
"You picked the wrong people to mess with bitch." Closing the short distance between her and the obese woman before anyone could blink, she drew back a fist to launch a punch with the power to punch straight through a concentrete pillar with ease and enough heat to match.



@Infichi@Zarkun@Joshua Tamashii@Raijinslayer@Crimson Raven@Roseletta
The first thing the group was met with was a powerful shockwave which was directed away by a lazy backhand from Sora into another nearby building, causing it to collapse and thus be destroyed. If one had paid enough attention, they might've noticed that the shockwave was more powerful after Sora had deflected it but he would deny any sort of accusation made by anyone.
"There they. Shiro is that one." Sora pointed over towards Manami and Shiro now, making sure to single out Shiro to Verrick now as he clasped the younger mage on the back "Ok so guys we're doing things a little differently today. Jess and Mai, your usual team. Verrick and Ethel will be the other team. I'll just hang back here in case I'm needed." Sora gave the four younger mages a smirk now as a breeze blew in from behind and blew them over to where the action was happening between James and co.
Sora had decided to hang back now for a few reasons which might've been obvious to those who knew him well enough. First and foremost, he didn't enjoy beating down women. Call him sexist or a gentleman, he didn't care.
Secondly they were too weak for him to bother fighting. Thirdly, and perhaps more importantly, he had a very bad habit of destroying anything and everything in a fight.
Oh that and the weirdo over there seemed like a decent fellow to speak with. Powerful too.
"Who's attention are you trying to get? The magic council? Cause destroying buildings is the way to go then." Sora said as he walked over to Ferrin with his hands in his pant pockets and a casual demeanour about him. Sure everyone seemed to be in the middle of some huge showdown, but Sora didn't really care.

James' stance didn't change and, in fact, grew only more ready, if that was possible. "Living in denial is not a path of redemption, Manami Fuyu. This is the last chance I'm giving you. Stand down and surrender, otherwise the next time my sword finds your flesh, you won't get back up from it." He kept an eye on the one she had called Shiro, noting her weapon of choice. Scythes were a weapon that while it was impressive if one could use it, it was impractical because it provided no way to really protect the user once an attacker was inside their guard. He spoke to Amelia. "When this comes to blows, Miss Amelia, I will take the scythe wielder. Her weapon leaves her vulnerable to a more traditional weapon like the sword."

Amelia looked at James, completely ignoring Nidhogg. She knew Phleg and Undine would protect her. When James said his piece, she simply nodded before turning back to Manami. She could see the woman wanted to fight. But she didn't understand.
"Miss Manami... why are you attacking my friends? Did they offend you in some way? Did they hurt someone close to you? What did they do to deserve such hostile actions towards them?" She asked, her tone gentle and curious.



Joshua didn't even wince at the pain the tendrils cause, simply cutting them off at the sight, leaving enough for him to pull them out one by one, which he proceeded to do rather quickly. While the creature was recovering, he moved over and picked up Amaya, throwing her his shoulder. He was going to apologize but was interrupted by the sudden tendril attack. He quickly saw where the least amount of tendrils was and moved that way, cutting down any that came too close.

James Hunt|Streets of Crocus

@Lunarlors34@Raijinslayer@Crimson Raven@Joshua Tamashii@Roseletta

James reacted quickly, throwing a Cleansing Light down on the seal and dispersing the energy it was spewing forth and his shield, encased in holy magic, catching the energy that escaped the Light and dispersing it.. However, his momentum into his next attack was lost so he opted instead to throw down a barrier of protection around those he knew as friends and then brought his sword around in an arc towards Nidhogg, a Holy Slash projecting from the blade in the form of an arced golden energy wave moving through the air.

Mako Kurohiko, Exiled Warrior|Fairy Eatery

@GamerXZ

Mako remained silent as Alan answered the question and nodded in a small amount of understanding. He had some similar experience back in Isvan with his family, who were alienated because of their various roles in riot control and other violence required issues. "I guess in that regard, I don't really know much about guilds...perhaps you could fill me in a little, Mr Mako?" Mako was pulled from his reverie to the present and he nodded, taking another bite of food.

"Guilds, as I have been able to find out in my travels through Fiore, function like...a family of sorts or a military unit, if we're speaking about Frenzy Plant. In both cases, the only truly high authority is the Guild Master, and unless the guild's lively hood is at stake, you're left to your own devices." He took a drink of his tea before continuing. "I have not stayed in the halls of any of this years participants for the Grand Magic Games, but I have stayed in others, and typically they're good and a very solid support group. Who know, maybe one of the members knows something about your missing fragments."

Alan was quiet while Mako gave his explanation of the guilds and their purpose. He got a wishful look in his eyes once the latter had finished. Now he felt a tad guilty about jumping to conclusions and assuming that a guild was just another kind of military branch. Still, at least he had gotten this cleared up before he went and did something stupid. He sat back in his chair while sipping his drink, "Hmm...family, huh?" A bit of a wishful look crossed his facial features for a second.

Only for him to shake those thoughts away and focus once more on the present, "Well, that's a relief...I suppose we'll have to pay a visit to some of these guild masters after we're done here. At the very least, we'll get some info to point us in the right direction."

Mako made a mental note of the wishful look that crossed Alan's face when he thought about the concept of a guild family. It suggested things about the young man's past that Mako could avoid asking about during conversation. "I'm here to speak with the guild master as well. Although I hear a rumor on our way here that the majority of Frenzy Plant left, including their guild master. If that's true, then something must have come up that required their attention and we're both short one information source."

Mako Kurohiko, Exiled Warrior|Fairy Eatery

@GamerXZ

Mako made a mental note of the wishful look that crossed Alan's face when he thought about the concept of a guild family. It suggested things about the young man's past that Mako could avoid asking about during conversation. "I'm here to speak with the guild master as well. Although I hear a rumor on our way here that the majority of Frenzy Plant left, including their guild master. If that's true, then something must have come up that required their attention and we're both short one information source."

Alan rose an eyebrow at hearing about this, "Huh...must be something important to get an entire guild to bail out of an event like the Great Magic Games..." It was definitely something worth looking into at some point as they would possibly have information that would help their own respective causes, "That's quite a shame, but not much one can do about it I suppose..."

Aura swallowed an entire cinnamon roll, how she was not getting sick was anyone's guess, before speaking up, "Perhaps we should check in on that Phoenix Wing group? From what I hear, a lot of very talented individuals tend to end up there, and from what I here, the jobs they end up with tend to pay very well too."

The barrier wizard rolled his eyes before smirking in her direction, "You just want more money for food, don't ya?"

The sprite recoiled and looked away, turning her head up, "Hmph, I will neither confirm nor deny that claim."

Mako chuckles at Aura, taking a bite of his own food before speaking. "And that is all the confirmation we need. That said, I did intend to speak with Phoenix Wing's guild master, Jamie Beltran, first. From what I've heard, she may be the most likely of the three to have the information I'm seeking." He took another sip of his tea. "Alan, if I may, what inspired you to take up magic? Having lived in a community that shunned it, it makes the most sense that you did it in rebellion, but you don't seem the type."

Mako Kurohiko, Exiled Warrior|Fairy Eatery

@GamerXZ

Mako chuckles at Aura, taking a bite of his own food before speaking. "And that is all the confirmation we need. That said, I did intend to speak with Phoenix Wing's guild master, Jamie Beltran, first. From what I've heard, she may be the most likely of the three to have the information I'm seeking." He took another sip of his tea. "Alan, if I may, what inspired you to take up magic? Having lived in a community that shunned it, it makes the most sense that you did it in rebellion, but you don't seem the type."

Alan was in the middle of eating when Mako asked his question. He wiped his face and sat back,"To be honest, I was wondering when you might ask a question like that. My reasons are...not exactly among the most noble, let's put it that way. I guess in a way it was like...an escape from the life I had before. Certain people were content to force me down a path I wanted nothing to do with. I inherited this magic of mine, Moonless Gown, from my Mom, may the Spirits rest her soul, and Aura here took an interest in me....and when I read this, her diary.."

He pulled out a small leather-bound tome, "I realized I had a window into another world. A chance to be something more. If I took this chance, I could be my own person, be in charge of my own destiny, and so on. Needless to say, this didn't come without cost..." He chuckled rather emptily, "About a year after I started my studies, our town got attacked by lizard men who were looking for Aura. They destroyed buildings, killed people...I fought them off and saved the rest, only..."

"Only for that pack of ungrateful whelps to turn on him and treat like he was some sort of demon spawn," Aura snarled as she slammed her glass down, "Seriously, his own father disowned him right there in front of the whole town! Who does that, I ask you?!" She shook her head, "So, we decided to heck with it. My partner grabbed his stuff and we left...and Mr Idiot here still thinks he can earn his father's love and respect by using his magic to help people..." She sighed and down the rest of her drink. "But then again, I suppose I'm not much better since I'm traveling with him..." At this, she smiled.

"There's more to it than that, but that's pretty much the gist of our story." Alan shrugged.

Mako listened attentively and took special notice of the angst held towards the town people for doing what they thought was right. He could understand how that would anger her and hurt him, in a community like that, everyone would be close and know each other well. To be turned on like that...Mako mentally shook his head. That was a train of thought he didn't want to explore right then. However, he felt a need to address Alan's hope with some cold reality in the form of wisdom he might appreciate. "Alan, I understand you want your father to love you, and given time, he just might. But as it stands, nothing will change who he is at this juncture. From what I understand of Fiore, magic wasn't just feared that way in your community, it was that way for the last century and only recently began to see positive reactions in the last two decades. Believe me when I say I understand your want, but for now, live for yourself and do what YOU think is right and leave your father out of it. Otherwise, you could get yourself killed."

Mako Kurohiko, Exiled Warrior|Fairy Eatery

@GamerXZ

Mako listened attentively and took special notice of the angst held towards the town people for doing what they thought was right. He could understand how that would anger her and hurt him, in a community like that, everyone would be close and know each other well. To be turned on like that...Mako mentally shook his head. That was a train of thought he didn't want to explore right then. However, he felt a need to address Alan's hope with some cold reality in the form of wisdom he might appreciate. "Alan, I understand you want your father to love you, and given time, he just might. But as it stands, nothing will change who he is at this juncture. From what I understand of Fiore, magic wasn't just feared that way in your community, it was that way for the last century and only recently began to see positive reactions in the last two decades. Believe me when I say I understand your want, but for now, live for yourself and do what YOU think is right and leave your father out of it. Otherwise, you could get yourself killed."

"Oi, watch the way you talk, mister!" Aura snapped as she slammed her hands down on the table, "You don't have the first clue what my student here's been through, do you?! We don't need to hear about reality cause we live it every day! Now yo-" She noticed a hand on top of hers, stopping her tirade, "Alan?"

"Aura, that's enough," His tone was calm yet firm, "Mako was just passing along with he knows, there's no reason to get upset at him for that..." Alan sighed as he turned back to Mako, "Sorry about that. My friend here means well but both of us can get a little carried away at times..." He downed the rest of his drink and sighed, "I appreciate you telling me this though. At least now I know that this problem we're facing isn't just an isolated incident...as for my father?"

He shook his head, "I wish it were that simple but...the truth is I don't hate my father. What he did was wrong, very wrong...but at the same time, I think losing his wife during child birth left some deep scars on him that have never healed. I think his memory of her has haunted him, especially when he saw I had inherited so many of her traits...and her magic. I was heart-broken sure and felt betrayed but...I don't know, I guess he's hurting just as much as I was..."

The young man folded his arms and laid back, "Makes me wonder if I'm just running away from my problems now...also, Aura, you should apologize."

Aura frowned over at Mako, "...I still think you need to learn to show a bit more tact...even so..." She bowed her head, "Sorry about my outburst." With that, she flew over beside her partner and laid against his shoulder as if to comfort him.

Mako nodded and remained silent until the pair was done and then spoke. "I did not intend to insult, but I've learned in my travels that sometimes being forward with what you have to say is better than sugar coating it. Many people have come to thank me for my upfrontness when a sugar coating could have had...unfortunate consequences. As for your father, Alan, give it time. It may not be until the day he lies on his death bed, but his scars will heal, just as yours will." He looked at a clock and realized the time with a sigh. "It seems I am going to need to go soon if I'm to catch Jamie before visiting Jack Goran of Dragon Fang. If you wish to stay and eat a while longer, feel free. I'll inform the cashier on my way out."