---

---

Mayt listened quietly to Damian and Penny speaking, not really daring to mention that he couldn't think of more than a dozen of his guildmate's names off the top of his head. He couldn't even really say at how many people had joined since he had last left from a job, which he thought ought to be the bare minimum of someone who's supposed to be a leader in the guild. He though of Sasha, who he remembered telling him on one of his first days how she tried to remember everyone's names. And how she now was taking on serious responsibilities for the guild, and the world. She would make a much better S-Class than he would in many respects. Maybe that was what Penny's point was.

When Damian changed topics to who was going to Tenrou, Mayt quietly appreciated it, though he didn't say anything. Penny then mentioned that there was a possibility of a dragon being there- something Mayt had apparently missed previously- and he looked to Damian. "Well, if there's a dragon, or a possibility of one, wouldn't you be the best choice to go Damian? Since you've got Durendal, not to mention your talent of keeping your head," he suggested. Mayt also began compiling a list in his head of all the other reasons why Damian would be a much better choice to go to on a dangerous mission than himself. One of the foremost being that he wouldn't have a clue as to what to do.

---

---

---

Mithera did her best to walk normally down the street, a small group of bills folded in her hand. It was an amount (Mithera wasn't sure if it was large or small) of money that the Rune Knights had given her as a reward for catching the slaver criminals. Her plan was to use it to get some food- the doctors hadn't let her eat, so her only food in the past twenty-four hours had been Royse's ice cream- and then to get a train ticket home. First, though, she wanted to find a place to sit. Fighting all those baddies in that old building had taking far more of a toll on her than even she initially realized (Especially after she had spent hours in surgery- which she had specifically not told Royse), and even walking down the street had left her breathing audibly. Hope came in a small restaurant that Mithera immediately slipped into once she saw it was open. She sat down in one of the padded seats that were there for when customers had to wait to be seating.

It was slightly into the afternoon at this point, and the lunch rush was mostly over. This left the host rather confused, and once they finished wishing the last group of people out, they looked at Mithera quizzically. "I'm a customer, don't worry," she said, giving him a polite smile. "I just... Need a moment. It's been a long week," the host chuckled and nodded, offering a sympathetic platitude. She sat there, taking the room in. It was a fairly nice-looking place. Hopefully not so nice she needed a reservation, but the food smelled good and the atmosphere was quaint. The pictures and artifacts hung up on the wall clearly were meant to indicate that the establishment was trying to emulate another culture, but Mithera wasn't sure which one. Once she had been looking around for some minutes, the host politely cleared his throat, reminding her of where she was. She blushed and stood up, letting herself be lead to a seat. The place had mostly cleared out by now, and the host sat her in a nice booth by the window, leaving her with a menu.

It was scarcely a minute before the waitress, a young woman with long curly brown hair and beautiful green eyes approached Mithera. "Good morning miss, I'm Monika and I'll be your waitress today. Can I get you something to drink while you decide what you want to eat?" They asked with a polite smile. Mithera bit her lip, and after an awkward moment spoke.

"Could I have water to drink, and uh... I can't read the menu," she stated hesitantly, feeling horribly embarrassed. Monika nodded as she wrote on her little notepad.

"Okay, would you like me to read it to you or find someone who can?" She asked, keeping her cheerful demeanor and polite smile.

"Actually, I'll just have whatever has the most... food in it. I'm not a picky eater," Mithera said, examining the pictures of food on the cover of the menu

"That would be our 32 ounce rib-eye steak, is that okay?" Monika asked, clearly not certain Mithera could eat that by herself.

"Yeah that sounds good," Mithera said, nodding. The waitress wrote that down, clearly impressed on some level. The two then quickly worked out the sides and other parts of the meal before Monika departed with notes and menu in hand. The Phoenix Wing mage leaned back in her seat in eager anticipation of her meal to come.

"That quest didn't go so smoothly, Mithera had to explain to those Pesky Knights a bit on the bloodshed." Royse replied, grabbing a bite on her crackers. She doesn't like the Rune Knights personally, her unrefined manner of speech had gotten her into trouble over a number of occasions. "That's as much as I know of," Royse tied up her hair into a braid.

So she knew it would be a mess? Well, props to her for doing it anyway. They'd all find answers...? Maybe she could find out what made her magic so interesting to a certain man. It wasn't like she had other plans, anyway. And a certain someone else who was probably looking for answers wandered in the door. As her mother said, timing was everything. She looked at the Dragon Fang member next to her, "there you are. She'd be the one to ask. If you want, you can come help me convince someone to come? C'mon."

She waved him along before slipping away, approaching Karn. "Karn! It's been some time. Have you found anything useful?" She figured she was searching for answers. A willful soul like that wasn't likely to idle it's time away. "I wish I could be more helpful. But, maybe I do have something for you. Sasha is organizing an expedition to an some island with... Dragons on it. Dragons on it...?"

She paused and put a hand to her face, in thought. "Island with dragons... There was an old song about something like that. A story. A powerful black wizard, dragons, ancient magic, the usual old story about high adventure. And then there's this island... In some versions. I've heard a few that don't even mention it, too." She shrugged.

@Caits

---

Prince purred as he cheerfully continued to tightly embrace the smaller Dragon Fang member, his feline ears perking a little as he felt Michael shift. Expecting some embarrassed resistance from his teammate. Instead, he got a hug back and a cute little laugh. Daw so cute. Of course as he felt the feather like touch to his lips and the sweet taste of magic, Prince's teal eye widened in some surprise, his scarlet tail fluffing up to show it. It was brief, but it was there to give a nice little snack as well as be a pleasant surprise.

At the kiss on the cheek and the words Michael spoke, the feline recovered from his surprise with a loud rumbling purr vibrating from his chest and throat as he just hugged and snuggled against Michael like a cat high on catnip and having the time of his 9 lives.

"Awe Mikey I've missed you too! I've missed you're cute self, I could just gobble you up! And anymore of those sweet kisses and I might!" Prince teased with a cheer and a bright smile.


@CirusArvennicus

---

Edarn was staring at the table she was sitting out, thinking through her thoughts before hearing her name being called out by a familiar voice. Turning her, though not really, emerald green eyes toward the source, she spotted a familiar face. Trinity. Though Earthland Trinity. Expression remaining neutral as she watched the young woman, the slightly glowing green gaze twitched as the image of the same face with highlighted hair appeared. Cockier expression before the flashing image of seeing blood drip from the eyes and mouth.

"She's dead."
"You weren't there."
"Not like it matters. You're not exactly needed for any of that to happen."
"But what if you were?"
"It would be just like all those other times."

Closing her eyes to rid the image, Edarn took another deep calming breath, taking but a moment to collect herself before opening her gaze once more. The images were gone and it was just the regular curious look of the Trinity that comes from this world. Her head was just trying to mess with her. Everything was okay.

Taking a moment to just look at Trinity as she spoke, Edarn waited for her to finish for a few moments before raising a hand and just placing it right on Trinity's chest. Her face remaining still before giving a simply amused grin and pulling it back like nothing happened. Edarn placed her elbows on the table with arms raised so her chin could rest on her hands. "Not too much really. There some strange energies in the mountains west of Crocus. Perhaps a rift. Had to close it. The magic I'm being held in has attracted quite a few people. Wizard or not. Those who know the rumors think they can use me to bring anyone back to life. Some wish to use it for themself, or to sell. Either way, those that attacked during the games seems interested in my capture. Karn included. Seem interested in his Eastern Chimera abilities. Most likely for some sort of ritual." Edarn responded, as if listing of a few things she has taken notes on, though she had quite the notebook for that now.

At the mention of Sasha, Edarn looked to Trinity out of the corner of her eye. Listening to what the current little event was. A island with dragons? Ancient Magic? She was unsure if it would involve her really or it would have anything useful, however she supposed something was better than nothing. Ancient magic could hold some clues and point her in the correct direction. Maybe have some sort of definite answer in her situation.

"Unsure how dragons would have answers, but perhaps there are some ancient glyphs or clues that might help." Edarn mused before continuing. "However, I do not think Ice Princess would wish for me to attend this expedition of hers, whatever she is doing it for. Your Karn also has been taking a bit more naps recently." Edarn responded, brushing a gloved hand through the blonde hair.

Ferrin turned and raised an eyebrow at the shorter man. “A pretty speach, but I am not going to talk. I’ll be keeping my cards close to my chest, thank you.” But then his expression softened and he looked out over the water again. There was a boat drifting down, propelled by a man with a pole. The same sight he had seen many times before. He didn’t mean to dwell on it, but it was hard not to, surrounded by such familiar sights. Maybe he shouldn’t have come back.

“While I have you here” Ferrin began in a lighhearted tone. But he paused and hesitated, then sighed. “While you are here, I want to ask you something.” He said with a subdued voice. “What do you think, of Phoenix Wing? Will I...was I happy here?”

@Caits

Jarvis frowned slightly. He didn’t really like the sounds of that, and after serving Royse, Jarvis said “You’ll have to excuse me. I’d prefer to go check up on her.” He said, and though he loathed to do it, said “Why don’t you go speak with Master Jamie? I could be gone a bit” He turned, and held out his hand as if expecting something to form there. Within seconds, a lacrima formed. The communication Lacrima glistened slightly, but otherwise seemed perfect. There was no marking to distinguish it, however Jarvis seemed confident that it was the communication Lacrima connected to Mithera’s.

He studied it a moment, and then it was a simple bit of magic to twist the lacrima slightly to gain Mithera’s location. Retrieving another lacrima, Jarvis squeezed it gently. The use of the teleportation lacrima was simple. A quick squeezing effect, and Jarvis found himself in what looked like… a restaurant. A little surprised, jarvis glanced about. Had the lacrima malfunctioned?

No… there was Mithera, leaning back in a chair. Ignoring someone calling out to him, Jarvis approached her, taking a seat and sitting down on the other side of the table. “If you wanted food Mithera, you know I’m happy to cook” He said pleasantly.

---

---

It was rather nice to surprise Prince. It happened so rarely, if at all. Michael couldn’t believe his own boldness, and he ducked his head slightly sure his cheeks were hot enough to fry an egg on. Michael was well aware that the brief physical touch of his kiss would have given Prince a slight spark of his magic, but Michael didn’t mind that. He didn’t pull away from Prince, finding himself quite content with him. Of course, he knew if he did pull away Prince would still snuggle and cuddle him.

Not that Michael minded.

He had truly missed Prince, and he said without truly thinking “maybe later. Could be dangerous on the island” Before realising what he was saying. He blushed deeper, clearing his throat. “I… um… i… i-i’ve b-been trying t-t-to b-be more c-c-confident… “ Which was going splendid. “I g-guess I s-shouldn’t t-try”

---

---

Patrick stayed silent, although there was an amused smile on his face as he regard Ferrin. “I thought you weren’t talking to me” He said, keeping his tone neutral as he continued to watch him. He soon sobered however, turning his gaze from Ferrin, out to the water once more. He let out a slow breath, contemplating how he should answer.

He decided with the truth.

“In my future Mr Astra… Phoenix Wing didn’t exist anymore. Whatever happened on the island… it led to the destruction of the guild. The survivors of the island, and those that didn’t go tried their best to combat the rising dark guilds, but they were outnumbers grossly. In my time, they didn’t have the alliance’s with the other guilds. I don’t know what it was, but I guess… I guess they just couldn’t hold it together.” He paused a moment, wondering how much he should tell Ferrin, but decided that the future would already be changed. What he’d go back to, Patrick didn’t know.

“When Master Jamie died… Sometimes I think she wished she’d died on the island with Master jarvis, but she still had something to fight for… When she died, I think that was it. I never did find out who killed her.” He paused again, realising he hadn’t answered Ferrin’s question.

“Phoenix Wing is a beacon in the darkness, Mr. Astra. Even when they were gone, people still had hope that it would rebuild. And that the dark guilds would be taken down. Perhaps it would have happened, but it wouldn’t have been the same without the Masters. The other guilds… They make that beacon brighter. Phoenix Wing is a good place, Mr. Astra. Whether you will be happy here or not is another story, and only one you can decided. In my time, you were a fighter. In my time, you were a beacon in your own right. In my time, I looked up to you. I cannot say whether you were happy or not, but I hope you were even just a little bit. I do not know what I will find when I go back. But… I think you could be happy here, if you gave it a chance. But you need closure and understanding first, don’t you?”

He turned back to look at Ferrin, tilting his head slightly. “Sometimes Mr Astra you just have to stop living in the past. Oddly enough, I think today we can both stop doing that”
@Crimson Raven @Silver Fox@Noodles@Burthstone

Ferrin looked down, a shadow covered his face.

“I can not stop living in the past, Patrick. Everything I worked for is there. Everything care about is there. My...my family is there.” He murmured. “They are always on my mind, consuming my every moment. Even in sleep can I remember them.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I suspect you know how I ended up in this time, but did I ever tell you in your future? ...I have a child. My wife was pregnant when I last saw her.” He looked at Patrick, his eyes full of pain. “I am a father, Patrick. A father. And I abandoned my child. I was careless and overconfident, prideful. And for my pride my child has grown up without their daddy.” Ferrin clenched his jaw. “Hell if I know why I am telling you this. For some reason you are easy to talk to. You slip past my guard, and I hate that. I feel like I should know you. Maybe that is because I will, or did, or already do. Did you know? I saw book somewhere once, on conjugating time-travel verbs, Dr. Dan Streetmentioner’s Time Traveller’s Handbook of 1001 Tense Formations. The shop owner told me that no one has ever gotten past the ‘Future Semi-Conditionally Modified Subinverted Plagal Past Subjunctive Intentional’ before giving up, and so the copy he had was blank past that particular chapter.” Ferrin rambled to himself, as if he had forgotten Patrick was there. “Or maybe I just need to tell someone. That island is a reminder of my past. Going there would feel like accepting it is dead and I must move on. If I stay, maybe I can hold on to the lie that I can go back that I can undo my mistake and see my family, my guild and my blood, again.”

As he spoke, invisible magic gathered around him. It began to rise from his body is a clear, glowing silver mist. It seethed and surged the longer he spoke, puffing out with every breath. Around him, little spontaneous anomalies occurred. Ice creeped over the stone at his feet, which begain to crack as if prssed by a great force. Electrical sparks leapt from his metal arm. The water in the canal ripped away from him. Flame danced around head, the was a pop and the smell of burnt hair could be faintly smelled. The wind stirred and swirled around him.

Ferrin aruptly seemed to realize what he was saying and the storm of magic gathered around him. His eye twiched and anger crossed his face, followed by shame, which was quickly smothered and turned into an impassioned mask. With an irritated flick of his hand, the storm stilled. “I have said too much.” He walked away, wrestling with his emotions and his magic. He had said too much, too soon. He technically barely knew the man and yet...

I need to calm down. That was the point of coming out here in the first place. Damn Patrick for coming by and ruining that. I need to stay in control. Control is the only thing I have left to me. Calm, Magus. Remember your lessons...

@Caits

“Mr. As… F-Ferrin. Wait” Patrick struggled with how much more he could tell him. It didn’t take long to realise that maybe it didn’t matter. If his future was changed… did it matter if someone else knew of something that would never come to pass? He stepped towards Ferrin, still processing everything the man had told him. It did not stop him from catching up to the older man, and hugging him. “You did know me in my time, my future. As for knowing me right now… I doubt even my parents know I exist right now. But you know them.” He said softly, stepping back.

He did not seem concerned at the small lack of control of magic, seeming to not think there was any danger. Either he wasn’t worried, or he was keeping himself in control, showing that he wasn’t afraid. And he wasn’t.

“But I do know one thing. You would be a fine father, and you would have been to your child.” He said confidently, looking past Ferrin for a moment, down to where Phoenix Wing was. “I wish I could say there is someway to return you to your time, Mr. Astra. But… It took a massive amount of magic to bring me to this time. Perhaps the island has someway of returning you to your time. It has always lived outside of time.” He did not particularly want to give Ferrin false hope. “I can’t promise anything however... If there's a way to find out how your wife and child faired, I will find it however"

Ferrin's muscles tensed and twitched. He nearly threw his assalaint before he relized it was just Patrick. Ferrin breathed deply and slowly let it out, feeling adrenaline pumping through his veins. He nearly hurt someone again because of his power. *Get a grip, Ferrin.*

Ferrin looked back to Patrick with smile on his scarred face. "Thank you for your kind words. But I am fine. I will find a way, and this world can not stop me." He tunred forward, chin up and back straight, radiating confidence. "And for future reference, do not grab me from behind again, I almost tossed your ass into a wall. Ferrin chuckled as her turned to go and lifted an arm in a gesture of farewell. "I'm going to go freshen up, I just go back from a job and I want to at least take a bath and get a bite to eat before I head out to Tenrou."

He seemed back to his old self again.

@Caits

with@Caits@Demon Shinobi@Joshua Tamashii

"The Dragon Slayers are only needed cause our magic is the only thing that will be able to fend off any dragons that become hostile towards us."said Amaya "I wish not to kill any dragons...mom didn't teach me of her magic to kill her kind...I cant kill those who don't deserve it...I seen enough death to last me a dozen life times."said Amaya to Michael before she looked at zero "I figured at some point one or both of you would try to play on my oddball way of thinking and acting do to my isolated state of mind...so was I to fall for something?"she asked zero and Joshua actually confused on whether she was to fall as the poking of a possible liking between her and Joshua or what. "Honestly I am shaking some cause my dragon wasn't really meant to be alive...I need to know if there are other ice dragons....maybe...maybe they will know where Aurora went...why she left."said Amaya more to herself reassuring herself that it was right to go on this trip...she needed to go.

Rose Yashia

"I'm more afraid if she takes the rage of me and my father...that somehow missed ryu"said rose as ryu sighed
"I have that rage I just don't find the point allowing it out over tiny things like you and him"he replied folding his arms seeing his father and niece coming in.
"now that you said the magic word...your wish is my command my little meno"she said gently signaling to the waitress ordering a cup of hot chocolate for elyse.

' you know I'm still here and man things are really getting loose in here' said a voice in the back of her head
'you are staying there if you know whats good for you'
'but I hate being in the back seat'
'tough I will not allow you out EVER you have caused enough trouble'
'nope havn't caused enough thanks to your brat and the lover'
'you better shut it back there'
'or what you'll come back here...I would love that'
rose shaked her head shutting the voice out. She has noticed here recently not only is her own seals of keeping the darker part of her magic contained but it seems she been getting more anicy to get control along with the slight change in the shadows control...She knew there were other who use the magic she did but this change to the shadows....it was familiar but she couldn't put her finger on it. For now she wasn't going to give it much mind.

@Zarkun
Despite not having actually been involved with the guild till the aforementioned Grand Magic Games, Cody couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. These poor workers had been suffering for months as James had said, yet no guild has bothered to come to their aid.
If Cody had worked up the courage even sometime during the couple of months he had been a member of Phoenix Wing to take this request sooner, then they could've put an end to this by now....
Despite seeming downtrodden for a moment, he seemed to pick himself up mentally quite quickly as the duo reached the forest's edge.
"If it's anything like the lessons you've been giving me, I feel sorry for them." The younger boy chuckled. Yes, so long as James was here Cody was confident they could get this done in no time at all.
Looking around at the forest before them, the young mage couldn't help but sigh. How would they find these guys amongst all this?
"I suppose you don't see any convenient tracks out and about do you James?" Please if it was only so simple. They would probably have to-
…..
Looking at the bushes before him, he noticed a scrap of clothing sticking to a branch, standing out like a fly on a wedding cake. Surely not. Surely it wasn’t that easy to find a lead?
"You wouldn’t think…." Cody asked, pointing towards the scrap uncertainty.



@Caits@hatakekuro@t2wave
Jasmine felt herself go weak in the knees at Jamie's words.
First use of magic? Looking blankly back at Jamie, the teenage girl couldn't help but blink a few, dozen, times in disbelief. She must've heard that wrong. She had tried learning magic before, she hadn't shown any potential towards any magic or even the ability to use it.
Now she could suddenly shoot water out of her nose, and that was a magic? Well it would explain where the water came from, considering the sheer quantity of it.
"T-there must be some sort of mistake...I...I..." The idea of having gained what she had wanted since she was a small child in such brief circumstances obviously didn't seem to be adding up for her. Surely if she had any aptitude for magic, someone would've told her, could've sensed it.
But yet...there seemed something oddly familiar about this. But she couldn't quite place her finger on it-

"I don't mean to interrupt." The sudden voice made the girl almost jump out of her skin. If it wasn't for the table she grabbed onto, her legs might've given out. Where had this man come from?!
He had seemed to just appear out of thin air beside her!
"...Hey is that girl ok?" Sora asked, pointing towards Jasmine while looking at the group gathered over here. He had only come over here because he had seen Jamie, and seeing as she was likely to remember him from Crocus he figured she would be the best one to make his inquiries.
"Anyway, I suppose you lot haven't seen an eccentric teenaged girl with the mental age of a five year old, with sky blue hair and blood red eyes come through here have you?" Pausing as he looked around expectantly, he began to gesture the height he was looking for.
"About this tall? Wearing an oversized hoo-" Looking down towards where the combined Ariel and Ethel sat, one could almost see his soul slowly corroding away. You had to be kidding, right?
How?
Why?

"Hmm?" Realising that Sora was staring directly at them, the girl tilted her head quizzically. This man seemed so familiar....Sora was it? She couldn't quite remember, but she was sure that was his name.
He felt important to her, but also completely strange and foreign at the same time. Where did she know this man from? Her jumbled memories were still just that, but a few seemed to be connecting.

Sora could feel his rising annoyance begin to settle in for the long run, he pinched the bridge of his nose. Goddamnit, he was going to kill those two useless sisters when he got back.
"It is unfortunate we keep having to meet in such....circumstances Master Jamie. Even if this is far better than the incident in Crocus." Not looking up, he indicated towards Ariel/Ethel with his other hand.
"Oh and edgy kid, nervous wreck. The name's Sora Kaze." Indicating to Nolan and then Jasmine, Sora continued "Obviously you've met Ethel. I'm her....well I suppose the best way to phrase this is 'guardian'? Or maybe 'caretaker', since she doesn't like me being addressed as such. Something about she doesn't need a guard. Daft girl." Shaking his head, he couldn't help the little quip he added. He really had no idea where she got this damned stubbornness from.
Definitely not him, never him.
He had so many questions. Just as many as he believed this group held, maybe less as he had an inkling of sorts as to what happened but didn't have any information to back it up with. There was only a handful of outcomes after all.
Clearing his throat, he decided that while he had this groups undivided attention he should continue to speak.
"Anyway I'm sure you've all got a lot of questions, but I don't believe I can answer them until I get an answer to my questions first. Does anyone know what happened? Who exactly did Ethel fuse with, and what is their magic?" All these questions were vital to validating or refuting his own theory, meanwhile he didn't see how he could answer their questions without such information anyway.

Having grown bored of listening to Sora, the girl instead turned her attention to the drenched, and that was putting it lightly, Nolan. He also seemed more than familiar to her. She felt like she had a strong connection, a strong bond to Nolan but once again her mind was too busy resembling static on a TV to be able to put just about anything together bar the absolute basics.
Still, she felt the overwhelming urge to reassure him that she...that Ariel was fine. Why she thought this, she was still trying to work out. But things were certainly feeling like they were becoming clearer, if only just a little, anyway.
"It's ok Nolan." Shuffling along her bench, she moved into a position that she could reach out and tug the back of his saturated shirt.
"Ariel is fine."

Was it the latest trend, hunting wizards for rare magic? Made her wonder how Mithera was doing, but Trinity had a feeling she was fine. Karn didn't seem so. Well, she knew that was the case, but beside that. The look on her face just now... "Seems like everyone's got a magic that someone else wants, these days. You, Mithera, myself." She sighed and shook her head. "I wonder if there's some connection? Hard to say without knowing more about the would-be kidnappers... I suppose they actually got me for a second. That bastard knew how to interrupt my Make...! That's where that airship came from, y'know. They were just getting ready to leave when Damian showed up."

Karn didn't seem interested in talking to dragons, which was a little odd, to her. Maybe it was because she wasn't from Earthland? "Dragons tend to be real old. That's what all the stories say, anyway. That's a long time to accumulate knowledge and wisdom. They might know something, or there might be some magic on the island that will help you. Who knows? And we can always sneak you in. Hide somewhere on me in the form of a mouse, easy. Ah, but is that tiring?"

Thinking back a second, Karn had been wearing that strange look on her face again. The one where she looked... haunted. "... Hey. Are you alright? You've been getting this look on your face lately, like something's on your mind. I suppose there's a lot, but... You can talk to me."

@Caits

---

Prince couldn't help but purr louder as he watched his teammate's face grow a brighter red and start to fumble over his words. He just was so cute! With a little bit of a mischievous grin, the crimson haired and dressed feline gave a brief peck on Michael's cheek and placed a clawed hand on the dark hair, gently ruffling it. "Oh don't say that Mikey! It's good to see you try your best! Tell ya what? I'll happily let you take the lead and explore me when we have some down time~" the cat man purred, his ears twitching with amusement.


@CirusArvennicus

---

"From my experience, magic is something everyone wants to obtain no matter the cost. Even if it isn't rare." Edarn spoke, her eyes simply staring at the top of the table, thinking thoughtfully through her memories from Edolas. It didn't matter there. No matter what had to be done, Queen Bitch was quite determined to obtain some sort of magic. She hated it.

"Awe but think of the possibilities!"
"You saw what magic could do."
"Deep down, you want to know too."
"Just take any of these little magic encased humans.."
"And rip them apart. Poke at their organs, see what makes them tick."
"Tick... Tock... Tick.... Tock."
"Don't worry. They aren't REAL humans anyways. Just creatures. Just things. Poke. Prod. Stab. Eat."

Edarn continued to ignore the voices within her ears, echoing louder and louder, trying to yell above the muttered chatter amongst the Guild Hall. She tried to focus on the chatter instead of them. It was difficult, since their conversations weren't as clear. Opening her gaze at Trinity's explanation, the blonde blinked thoughtfully, but didn't turn her gaze toward the mage.

"And you think these dragons would help us?" she asked as she thought about it. It really was the only lead she had at the moment so it probably didn't hurt to try. Still it meant she had to hang around longer with these people. Perhaps she could handle it, she just had to focus. Focus. Focus. Focus. Work. Work. Work. Work on the goal. Like before.

"Should be fine with your Karn. Small creatures doesn't seem to drain too much of his magic. I just haven't gotten the hang of it." Edarn answered as her focus shifted in mentally checking on Karn. She could feel him stirring, his interest perked. She was sure he would help. He was the kind of person to want to help. Plus he was quite interested in meeting more dragons. Although she could feel his hesitation. Possibly because of his last encounter with a dragon, in which she could feel his guilt.

At the words of concern, Edarn continued to simply stare at the table, ignoring the voices chattering, ignoring the echoes of ghosts that weren't real. It wasn't something she really discussed. It was better just to hide her.... issues. They couldn't be fixed. Nor could she just take drugs to numb them. It wasn't fair to Earthland Karn's body. Nor to the actual Earthland Karn. It wasn't something she really talked about with her own teammates. They'd just worry and try something to help. Yet they couldn't have their focus on her, they had to focus on the actual goal. So she kept quiet about a lot of things. Her sickness, her weakness, her breaking body, her breaking mind, her feelings. They didn't matter as long as saving Edolas was still in play.

Now though, she didn't have quite the same goal. When she left, they had won. They basically completed their goal. So what then was there to distract her? Making sure everything was alright in Edolas. She had to be sure, she had to make sure everyone was okay. Yet a part of her sickenly didn't want it to be okay. Otherwise, she might lose a goal to completely focus on. And she hated that part of her.

"....What would you do if by the end, I decided to completely takeover your Karn?" Edarn suddenly said, her voice the same calm neutral, though the emerald green orbs were sharp and serious as they glanced toward the white haired girl.

Giving it a moment, Edarn turned her gaze back to the table. "Have you been through war or loss?" she asked another question.

---

"O-oh hey Jarvis!" Mithera said, surprised. She had been distracted watching the door to the kitchen, the glass of what had been water was bare save for a few bits of ice, one of which she was now chewing on. Monika hadn't been back to refresh her drink yet, which wasn't unexpected considering how fast she had sucked it down. "I, uh, know that you can cook but I didn't want to wait until I got back to eat. Besides, I never got to explore Crocus and its cuisine the last time I was here!" She gave him a mostly honest smile. "Do you want anything? I'm sure the waitress is willing to take your order too, she seems nice. My treat," Mithera sneakily showed off a pair of 5000 jewel bills.

"The Knights gave me 'em after I got- err," Mithera hesitated a moment, almost admitting she had been in the hospital. She didn't really want to tell Jarvis about how badly she had really been injured, since she was sure it would be a bunch of unnecessary fawning over her health. She was certain she going to be fine, eventually that was. Ignoring the pain in her left arm she kept speaking. "After Royse got the payment for the job we came here for and went back. I was planning on just walking back, but a very kind fella gave me this so that I could get a bite to eat and take the train home! Though with you here I guess we'll be taking a lacrima back?"

Patrick gave Ferrin a smile, a rather impish grin and replied “I knew you wouldn’t harm me. You’re a good person, Mr. Astra.” He said softly, nodding farewell as the older man left. “I’m sure you’ll find a way to live in this time.” He watched Ferrin go, before he walked off himself, seeming to disappear in mere seconds.

---

Jamie gave jasmine a kind smile, “I doubt there is a mistake, Jasmine. You shouldn’t worry, or be afraid. You will learn to use your new abilities, I assure you” She said, trying to be comforting to the girl. She looked over as someone interrupted them, rising a brow. "Shes fine. Just a little shocked about something" She said, then looked around at the question, as if perplexed to be asked such a question when she considered them, quite proudly, to bemore than a little eccentric.

"I did. And now she's merged with our... well, i guess you could consider her a living lacrima" Jamie said thoughtfully, looking at Ethel/Ariel. "So unlikely that they'd meet... I wasn't quick enough to stop Ariel from touching her" She sighed wearily, before shaking her head.

“Ariel is… a rather unique individual. She absorbs magic, and takes in some, if not all, of its properties. I’m sure we can figure out how to separate them.” She said, watching the two girls merged into one, “Somehow.”

---

Prince’s words and actions flustered Michael even more, and he had no idea what to do. As Prince ruffled his hair, Michael bowed his head slightly, sure that the heat from his face could fry an egg. He knew Prince needled him but it didn’t make him feel bad… It made him feel liked, and apart of something. And that meant a lot to Michael.

It didn’t mean that he knew what to do in this situation.

“E-explore?” He stammered out, eyes wide as he took in all the meanings off that, “I… I… I… “He trailed off as he struggled to get words out, staring at Prince.

---

Jarvis let Mithera speak, watching her closely. He was more than a little hesitant to believe her, although he always held a measure of trust for his members. Yet it was clear to even him that Mithera was lying- either by omission or on purpose. He leaned in closer to her, shaking his head at the offered meal, "The knights aren't known for their generosity. So. Why didn't you travel with Royse through the lacrima? What happened, Mithera?"

@Burthstone@Silver Fox@Lunarlors34@Crimson Raven

"They might. Or they might need convincing. Which might be problematic, but some Dragon Slayers are joining us, so I guess we might get to see if those magics really live to go their name. Vulcans are one thing..." She soon her head. Getting in a fight with a Dragon sounded like a myth, but also like a bad idea.

Karn didn't answer her about what was wrong, instead offering a question. She didn't have an answer for the first. "War? Not as such. I lived with my family on an estate, once. My mother taught me music and Bard's Magic, and my father taught me Energy Make since I can remember. One day... Our estate was attacked, and my father taken. They left the manor in ruins... Now it seems they want me, so... A bit?" She shrugged, taking a seat at the table.

She looked at Karn for a moment, thoughtful. "You're working too hard to just give up like that. Besides, even if you did... He'd just be within you, right? It would be the two of you, together. Maybe..." She shook her head. "You know, was going to ask what you were going to do if you couldn't find a solution. I suppose that would be what it will come down to, huh."

A sigh, and she gazed at the body with two souls. Both tortured and tired. "Let me try something. Let me know how you feel." Her quiver materialized, and she took it in her hand. She breathed and focused, forming an Energy Make sphere and running it through the quiver. The golden, glowing "Love Arrow" came into her hand, and she reached it over to tap Karn on the head. She thought it was just a gift if magic power, but was it more? She dispelled a very particular barrier with it before, so maybe there was more to it?
@Silver Fox

@Caits

---

The tall feline purred louder as he watched his flustered companion. Wondering what exactly was possibly running through Michael's mind and imagination. The poor lad just made it too easy to tease him a little. Still it was hard to resist doing so, Mikey was just such a cutie!

"Mhmmm? You don't want to?" Prince purred innocently as he kept his bright smile as his one mischievious eye watched his teammate gleefully. Red furry tail swaying side to side, as cat man's fingers gingerly played with the dark hair between them.


@CirusArvennicus

---

Edarn blinked thoughtfully as she listened, her emerald eyes watching the table though not really looking at it. Just thinking deeply in thought and avoiding looking directly at Trinity. "Our souls share the same body for now, but they are meant to absorb the others life energy. Essentially, one will devour the other and take over their life. When that happens, supposedly the memory of my existence will be erased. Despite my research, there aren't many I've read that exactly can bring the dead back to life. It's a reason the spell casted for this is forbidden black magic. Leads to possible risk and failure. It only worked thus far because I'm another version of your Karn. People still try to take me though thinking it might work on whomever they desire." she mused calmly.

"Yes, I'm working hard to find out all the facts and break down all the possible solutions. And be prepared." the trapped soul said, opening the emerald green eyes as she allowed the arrow to tap her on her head. She felt some magic flow in her, the orb that contained her soul glowing a bit from under its hiding place under the scarf but otherwise nothing happened.

Closing her eyes once more, she remained silent for a moment before continuing. "In Edolas, the war has had its effects on everyone, perhaps in different ways. They've experienced things that they will never forget. We know that, but we fought anyway so perhaps the future would be brighter and people wouldn't have to carry similar scars of war." Edarn said, her gaze slowly trailing over the Guild Hall. Watching the people residing here, eyes quivering a bit as they came upon a familiar yet unfamiliar face.

"I'm not a good person." she said, closing her gaze once more to block everything out. Containing everything.

"I've done a lot of things before I came to Phoenix Wing back home. And if they hadn't found me, it was possible to be in Maddox's or Pen's shoes. And a part of me agreed with Damian. That they needed to die. It would save lives, it would help give people security." She said softly, seeming to mostly just talk to herself now. She didn't even know why she was saying this much. It was something she just locked away like everything. Perhaps now, that she was alone here, her friends couldn't see how pathetic she was. Or the real her. That it didn't matter now.

"But I fought for Jamie and didn't kill anyone. Give even people like Maddox and Pen or Queen Bitch their lives. Because if I didn't, then it was unfair that I was given that chance. I'm not any better. Father, brother.... countless children... consumed.... I slew with no remorse. Just pure survival. That still is inside everyday. That was why I was shoved into this body, for that pure savage survival instinct. The reason I lived over the countless Phoenix Wing members that died in battle. Over the civilians that suffered the cries of war, even people like Pen or Maddox who suffered just as much. I doubt my Guild or Damian would blame me for it, but they died. James... Ru.. Raine... they died. Many died. Memories, ghosts, they haunt me. Time of being here without the threat of war on my Guild just makes me think more. Distraction, less distraction is there. And now, my test of survival is tested again if I can't think of something. And if there is no other solution, what do I choose?" Edarn murmured, taking a deep breath before shaking her head, trying to rid the voices, yet she could not. Because she still clinged to all those memories. She wasn't allowed to forget them. They didn't deserve to be forgotten.

Waving her hand a bit, she gave a calm smile to Trinity. "Sorry, I'm prattling Sugarhips don't mind me. When is this trip starting? It be interesting to study a live dragon." she said in a joking manner, once again, trying to close everything off.

Absorbtion in such a way... The way she described it, it didn't sounds like what she thought previously. So, in that course of events, it would be final? Memories would change? They would be left with only one...

As Karn spoke, the minstrel listened intently. She could hear the distant pain in her voice. She hid it well, but not enough. Karn was bearing herself. The one in charge of their duality would not look at her as she spoke, perhaps too reminded of someone else. Of the other person with her name, her face. Trinity rose to get feet and came to stand in front of Karn.

"We will find a solution." Trinity pulled Karn to her feet, gently, and into a hug. "We will. And you're not a bad person... Just a product of your circumstance, like anyone else. You can only do what you can do. Even with Magic..." With a last squeeze, she let her go and looked over to Sasha.

"I think we'll be going soon? I'm not too sure, I only just learned about the trip myself. Oh, hey," Trinity turned back to Karn. "What if we had an empty vessel? A body, not belonging to anyone? Like a golem or something. Would that work, at least for separating you two? We could figure the rest out at our own pace, then, right?"

Royse

Nonchalantly, Royse returned to her seat after her talk to Jarvis, placing her unfinished bag of crackers back on the table. She unstrung her bow, slouched on the desk for a quick nap. It has been a long day to and back from Crocus after all...

Giving up entirely, Michael dropped his head on Prince's chest, hiding his face completely. There were times when he couldn't tell if Prince was teasing him or not, and now was one of those times. He made a small sound, trying to figure out what Prince was doing... And how he had gotten himself into such a situation again with the catman. "I..I... I-I-I-I... " He stammered, his voice slightly muffled as he tried to form some sort of a sentence that made sense. Why did this happen? Why did he get so flustered, so easily?

He didn't want to be like this, but he couldn't seem to help it, no matter how much he tried... it just got worse. He swallowed around a suddenly dry mouth as he tried to muster up his courage, sure that it would be a failure, like always. He just... he wanted to be able to say what he wanted to... even if he didn't know how to say it.... Why did he stutter? Why couldn't he get passed it?

"I... I-I-I... I d-d-d-don't -kn-kn-know... "

@Silver Fox