Aki had gathered all of her belongings again from the stage by putting them one by one in the knapsack. As last she picked up the cup that was set by the street with the few coins. There was just enough for living two days but this was more then enough for her. She had already saved up some money that she earned extra during her shows to buy herself books so that she could learn more about her magic and math. She found those things important in life just like her mom and dad once did.

Aki opened her one and only working pockets and gently poured the coins into the pocket. She stored the cup with the rest of her performance instruments and the sign with the name and cute drawings for her show was attached to the knapsack on the outside. Aki cheerfully picked up the knapsack and headed back 'home'.

After but a minute of walking she was almost pushed over by the sudden girl dashing past her side to the right of her. Aki was taken of guard and almost stumbled from Hilda having passed by her. Aki took a moment to look after the girl to try and figure out who it was or why she was running but she was too fast and turned to the upcomming alley. Confusingly Aki glanced after her and started to pace her steps as well.

Just before Aki arrived at the alley she slowed down almost sneakingly she approached towards the alley. Aki could see someone else enter the alley which only made her curiosity bigger. Aki started to tremble softly the more she approached. She was so excited! And all so scared! Aki turned her head over the corner of the street with a scared look on her face. It was so dark! Aki had noticed the smell of the rotten fruits and vegetables just like Eiko had but did not flinch a bit. Aki had gotten used to this smell over the years. It was still smelly but not as strong to her.

Aki could spot two people further down the alley. One was sitting on one of the crates inside the alleway while the other was facing her, she could only make up vague shadows by her trembling fear of the dark. Aki stepped further down the middle and a slight step forwards as she clutched her hands to her chest.



Almost cryingly she spoke to the two unsure of what to do. It was quite down the alleyway with one of the girls seemingly speechless while the other asked if she was alright.

He saw his death.

Or maybe he had actually died.

He didn’t know.

But he felt it.

The ice gripping his veins, freezing him inside out as his heart crystallized and his mind fell into the blackness between death and sleep, until finally, his brain passed the point where resuscitation would mean anything. He felt it, and he remembered it, even as his blue eyes stared vacantly out towards the sifting crowds, the travellers that evaded them, the shops that closed, the guard that fidgeted at their presence. He felt his death still, and he fell to the ground, knees too weak to keep him steady any longer.

This sucked. Was this Limbo then? Or was this punishment? What was that again…the sins of the father will fall upon the shoulders of the son? He placed his hand against his chest. Breathed deeply. It rattled too hard still, the fleshy lungs that had once been turned to black ice, shrivelled and malformed. The pain wasn’t there, but the horror had been. Horror, with a kiss of death. The words of those around him bounced in his skull, and yet, he could not make sense of them. Couldn’t even move. The boy grasped the hands of others. The woman ran away. Another stayed. Meaningless, meaningless, meaningless.

He felt sick. He felt like he was going to die. He probably was going to die. How many more times was he going to die? Countless, if those sutras were correct. Endless, if those texts were correct. The executioner was a masked aberration in a world of fantastical creations, and they were intruders, to be purged immediately. So…running was just going to be uncomfortable, huh?

Slowly, Yuuki got up, patted the dust off his snow-laden pants, and walked to the side of the road, sitting with his back against the wall. He removed his backpack, placed it on one side, unzipped a side pocket, pulled out a one-liter thermos, and poured himself a cup of roasted green tea. Still fresh. Still steaming.

On a scale of one to ten, he probably didn’t hate that person that much. There wasn’t any prolonged pain, and they were probably just doing their job. And even if he did hate that person, it wasn’t going to help his case in the long or the short run. He didn't think he could run forever, and he didn't want them to chase him forever. So, what was there left to do?

Get comfortable and drink something mellow, cause Fate was turning the corner and none of mankind's inventions could stop the inevitable.

...maybe he can have a chat at least, before the icy death came again.

The tall woman took another bite of her appa, despite her complaints. It sucks having to eat something that was so sour, but hey, she already bought it and she wasn't one to waste her money just cause of preference. Though an appa was hardly filling enough for a woman of size and stature. In her pack, there was a bit of bread and 2 legs of chicken as well, both wrapped up in cloth. Thankfully, she at least knew that those two were much better than the 3 sad excuses for fruit she still had on her, including the one that already had her bitemark in it. There was plenty of comottion from the others around her, whether it be merchant work or recruiting others for knight work. Another ordinary day for this country huh? Peaceful life is soothing, but oh so boring.

Her and Mirt had only gotten there a few days ago, hadn't they? It was supposed to be a pretty relaxed time after the hell of traveling over to this huge ass city, but you'd expect more to do. Instead, to kill some time, Anyon found herself exploring the city, trying to get a good handle on her surroundings. After all, there was no telling how long they might be here for, so getting familiarized made sense. The streets here, despite them being rather packed were also home to some pretty good merchant stands, though not the best she's encountered. By a long shot. No, that would go to that one country that was a bit south west from here, though she couldn't remember the name. Some of the best food and weaponry she's ever seen...bar none. She gave a glance towards the staff on her back. As much as she loved her staff, what with it being with her for years now, she always regreted not buying that Whiplash. Incredibly flexible...extendable...could basically be a functional whip...God was it pricey though. They would've been broke the whole time there if she bought it then. Still...

As her coins juggled in her pack, she glanced around. Despite it's seeming peacefulness, she could easily spot the adventurers and warriors that filled the streets. It wasn't like they were experts in disguising it after all. It at least meant that if they needed cash, they could probably find it pretty easily. Now that she kept looking though, she noticed there were more people looking at her than she realized...Actually quite a few people. Idiots. "I don't care if you jackasses have never seen a fucking tall person before! The staring shit is getting annoying!" She said in her low, booming voice. The ones who were staring very quickly turned away and a few others took a glance towards the yelling woman. In minutes though, every simply went back to their business, outside of a few.

Despite her usually being used to heat like this, for some reason, the sun felt particularly hot today. Maybe it was just her, but it felt as if the rays were practically raining down on her. "God damn...Why is today so bad for me?" She said with a slight pant. However, she soon noticed something that might just be helpful. There was an old building within distance of her and seemingly a few shaded areas outside of it. With a smile, she walked over, leaning down on a nearby tree. The monk garbs were opened up a bit to let her breathe a bit better and her bandaged chest was a bit more noticeable. Well, bandaged to someone who might not know what a sarashi is. Despite this, she was still overwhelmingly hot. She took a glance towards the building. Maybe it might be better to just go inside and rest a bit...

Getting up, she walked over to the building, lying on a wall of it. She could hear noises though from it...Men from the sound of it? Probably some knights or other such people discussing a quest or something, who cares? However, unbeknownst to her, the wall she was lying on was less of a wall, and more of a door. Even worse, there seemed to be foot steps coming towards said door from the inside of the building. All she did instead was air herself out as she took another bite of her not-quite-that-good appa. "Ugh...Fuck it, I'm eating the chicken after this. I'll see if Mirt wants the other appas."

@FamishedPants @Letter Bee @Cu Chulainn

---

@BrokenPromise@Letter Bee@ERode

”Really now? You would let these cultists run free? You would risk letting them kill innocents by the thousands just to avoid an unsightly execution?” hearing Mono snap at the cat girl sent a chill down Aaron's spine, ”If you only knew what was required to stand in my position. Low brow rabble such as yourself can keep praying at the temples and hope for a good outcome. As for myself...” 'Oh fuck...' Though his eye were glued shut in fear, Aaron could hear Mono violently strike someone,”I am a fucking sin eater! And I will gladly stand beside all the cultists I've slain when their time of judgment comes. Because there isn't a fucking thing that will make me compromise the safety of this great nation.” He looked up to his fellow soldiers. ”Run them through!”

Before he could protest, the boy suddenly felt something cold slip through his throat, ripping and tearing his flesh as it passed. Hot, viscous, liquid poured out of Aaron's throat and covered his body as he collapsed to the ground, choking on his own blood. Then... he felt nothing. Adrift in an inky void, Aaron's mind began to wander.... 'Is this what it feels like to die? That's it. My second chance is gone just as fast as it came.... Mom, Dad... I'm sorry I failed you. If only I could just.... have another chance...'

Suddenly, his eyes snapped open once again.  Everything had gone back to how it was before everything went to shit.  Aaron's heart stopped, 'What was that? A vision? Premonition?Or.... did it factually happen?' 

As he shakily felt himself, affirming that his throat wasn't missing, the girl suddenly took off down the street. The others had also seen it as well. Not Good... Looking to his down the street to his right, he saw what looked to be a port.  In but a minute, the masked man was due to walk around the left corner and kill them all.

Becoming vaguely aware of someone lightly grabbing him, Aaron immediately went into survival mode. Wrenching free of Ashton, he grabbed the other boy's wrist in a vice grip, and marched toward a small side street on the left (If facing the docks) of the street they were currently on.  Beside the street, Yuuki; the boy who had recently been turned into a human popsicle, was sitting against a wall, leisurely sipping tea from a thermos. Aaron's panicked psyche snapped, 'Drinking Tea??!?!! At a time like this???Like hell you are!!!'

Approaching Yuuki with Ashton still in tow, Aaron scooped up the backpack and aggressively swatted the cup of tea out of the Japanese boy's hand.  Without a word, Aaron grabbed Yuuki's arm tightly, to the point that it was even beginning to cut off circulation and yanked him to his feet.

Continuing off of the main road, Aaron slowed to a brisk walk, weaving between side streets, hopefully making any of the guards lose track of the trio. Though his emotionless expression wouldn't show it, Aaron was terrified out of his mind. 

He was going to take a gamble by going to the last place Mono would expect; right where the masked bastard had come from.  Slowly, Aaron led his new allies to the docks.....

Click for theme

"ohhh, yes! right there!"

The stifled moan of the bed warmer he hired at the Darkened Honey was like silk on the elderly mans ears. She was in her late twenties and had the smooth skinned figure to match it, his hands had roamed her from neck to toe quite thoroughly and found all the spots across the young womans body that made her squirm at his touch. Stiff fingers touched bare skin and another moan came from the play pretties lips as they stretched out across the bed.

"But- Nn- Sir! I am supposed to be, Ahn~" Yet another such gasp of hastily taken breath interrupting their protests as Miriana, todays snack, reeled from the experienced hands of her daytime lover. "I am supposed to massage you, old dog."

For his own part, Mirt enjoyed his time among the hired play pretties. Frequently so. There was not a single city the former First Warrior had visited since his escape all those years ago where he had failed to enjoy the pleasures of the flesh when Anyon, his stalwart but sorely uneducated traveling partner, was otherwise preoccupied. The girl would likely accost him the day she found out where her Elderly companion went to so frequently but until then it was nothing but dalliances!
Stiff fingers poked and prodded the soft flesh of Mirianas back as he massaged her with great care. Strong hands rubbed hard muscle into jelly between his fingers as the many lessons from his youth about proper body care played their part yet again. After rigorous workouts you needed to relax the muscles and properly massage the stress out. Mirt and Miriana had participated in such a, for lack of better phrasing, 'rigorous' activity for a large portion of the morning and it was nearly time for what was left of his coin to expire.

"It is nothing, my dear. In my homeland it is an honor to ease a fine ladies pains away after the deed is over. Your every ache is my pleasure to soothe." Of course this didn't stop the inevitable reaction from his own old body. A young bull he might be in the sheets when the time for action was nigh, but by the sun that shined eternal he was getting almost too old for such things! Of course if he had continued his own daily stretchings instead of lounging about, Mirt knew his swelling belly may not have been so robust.

A knock at the door sometime later signaled the end of his allotted time. Miriana gave him a gentle kiss goodbye as his clothes were hastily replaced after cleaning himself off with a wet towel. Silently he promised to return, when coin permitted, and participate in the decadence again.
Until then it was time to find his companion once more and find coin aplenty in this city of cutthroats. Maybe Anyon would have something to drink! By the Sun, he had worked up a thirst.

. . . Maybe rock paper scissors this time?

It wasn’t like it mattered yet, though. They could settle it in a few minutes.

Yes. For now, it was best to take in the new sights and sounds of this city. Well, it would be nice to do that. No matter how you put it, there was something off with this city. Between everything, it wasn’t a good tourist destination after all.

Federica absentmindedly looked at the city street and the personas walking around the small group of Knights. Having never taken to restricting her vision, she hadn’t bothered wearing a helmet. With a antsy huff, she kicked at the dirt in seeming frustration at her current situation.

It wasn’t the slight delay in this buildings breach and clear. Rather-

“Maybe sister was wrong, after all?” Frederica frowned. While she was a member of the Knights, she wasn’t on-duty in the normal sense right now.

However after arriving at the city, she had quickly been conscripted for various tasks.

Honestly, as a Knight she didn’t mind. No, she was enjoying herself even. But it was a bit disappointing that the city seemed to lack anything in the way of attractions.

Perhaps to someone like her the atmosphere and new experiences were fun, but her sister had promised things like canal boat rides.

There really hadn’t been any duties that required a soothing evening yet. It was pretty sad, but she’d keep at it until it happened. It would be nice if she could have a day out with her partner and ‘that man’. Frederica took a moment to stare at her partner, helmet on or not. It was an earnest but almost stupid looking smile.

In truth, the atmosphere around them was more than pleasant compared to the pressure she felt in this city. They had fun sparing, enjoyed training together, and talked almost anytime they saw each other. Outside of her families maids, she hadn’t interacted with anyone else nearly as much since reaching civilization again.

Yes. To her, Frede was probably close to a good acquaintance. Perhaps it would be ideal to ask if she’d enjoy an evening off together? They could even invite their manager too. He seemed like a smart man, so he’d know where all the peaceful sights were hiding.

That being said, asking about it while on duty was probably not a good idea. Irrelevant chatter was something she got yelled at quite a lot during her ‘training’.

With that in mind, she committed to an option wholly lacking in self awareness.

“Are you feeling a bit better today, Frede? Things got pretty rough last night, but I hope I didn’t jar anything too hard. You almost tore my leg off, but I guess those cuts on your back make us a bit more even. For a draw, it was a pretty exciting match.”

It was an honest appraisal. They had been lightly sparing last night, and she doubted either of them had gotten a goods night rest. Frederica had decided to bring it up now given Frede was on her mind.

She was stupidly grinning. A few civilians walking around the small squadron of Knights scoffed, but something akin to an expression of fear was appearing on the various Knights.

@Phonic@Cu Chulainn@FamishedPants@Letter Bee

This was Mistress Vertti's thirteenth disappearance, and she's been gone now longer than she ever had. She never told Grisaia where she'd gone, at least not an answer he's willing to believe. She had no enemies that anyone knew of, and her wealth was nothing other nobles would be after. She didn't have any serious vices that anyone knew about. she use to practice magic. In her very prime she use to utilize magic on a regular basis, but an accident had lead to her vowing to never do such ever again. Grisaia was rather light on the details, but it was an important clue, she suspected. And then there was the matter of her uniform, which was always wet, scuffed, or torn near the hem of her dress. And Grissa, being her adopted son, wasn't someone who she would lie to without good reason. He was the one who called the guild for help after all.

Aer didn't notice much when she inspected her bed room, but it seemed like she still had all of her suitcases. A servant told Aer that she typically left with a pocketbook that might carry extra clothes and other necessities. But she always came back dressed exactly as she had when she left. She also learned that she was formerly married, but her husband left her once she decided to dedicate her life to helping the humans and demi-humans. It seemed like she spent a lot of time trying to help people after the war, and used a lot of her own money to do it. She also works an artisan's guild, which is where her money comes from.

Aer had some working theories. It was possible that Mistress Verri had found someone she fancied and was sneaking off to meet with them in secret. It was scandalous, but didn't really explain the clothes. Another theory she had put mistress Vertti in some secluded place where she could practice her magic. If she was conducting rituals, it would explain the condition of the bottom of her dress. But then she needed a motive for it. She had a lot of small details, but nothing that added up to a coherent whole.

But all was not lost. Aer just needed more information, which meant she needed to do some more investigating. After talking with the servants, she knew the mistress was known for visiting the Cham. Apparently she was very well known by the locals, which meant there was a possibility one of them had seen her. At the very least, there were more people to talk about her.





The trio wandered deeper into the building, doing what they could to avoid facing the knights again. Except for father whisky, who was just following because he believed it was part of some game. The door opened into a long corridor, with barely any light. Behind them they could see two knights coming in, and aparently a girl fell on the ground. If one had to judge, she leaned on the door thinking it was a wall. I'm just a narrator, so don't ask me how that happened. Regardless, the trio pressed forth. Determined to not get killed this time.

But as they walked down the corridor, they noticed a pair of tail lights turn on at the end of the hallway. While none of them were extremely familiar with this new world, they knew that the inside of a building was no place for a car. But when it growled, they quickly realized it was indeed, Not the back of a car. The trio only had a moment to duck into a side room as the creature came barraling out of the darkness. But it ran right past their door, and straight towards the knight and hapless woman on the floor. It seemed the knights would be in for a fight soon.

Even though the beast had run past the trio, they could hear more growling deeper in the building, where the first beast had come from. This would provide a good distraction, but now they needed a way out. The room they were currently in was a bedroom. There was a dresser, adorned with a vanity mirror, a bed, and a chest at the foot of the bed. Though the dresser and chest would be empty. There was also a window, but it had been boarded up for a very long time.

---

”Uh, um...” Vasilis tightened his grip on his ax. He wouldn't speak up if Irene didn't want him to.

As Hiro and Chieko ran through the pathway where they were initially ambushed, they created quite a stirr. The woman who stood by the window on the lowest floor didn't look like she was sure if she should open or shut the sutters. But ultimately decided to slam them shut. Only one of the bandits were ready, and ready was being very generous. He was still looking for his target when he looked out the window.

”There!” Vasilis wasted no time diving into the second story window. He did seem to really love his “rocket” propelled jumps. As soon as he landed inside, everyone could hear the sounds of bandits shouting, as well as bolts and ax flying through the air. The bandits on the other side of the street opened their shutters and tried to aim across the street at Vasilis. But the only time he showed himself was for the brief moment he jumped from his side of the street to theirs. The crossbow bandits weren't going to be a problem.

The doors on either side of the street opened up, and the mob spilled into the street. But their prey wasn't conveniently positioned in the center of the street this time. They turned to the running Hiro and Chieko, seemingly oblivious to the others, and chased them down the street. Though in their malnourished state, they wouldn't be able to keep up with the people they were chasing.

---

This time, Mono arrived in a street free of cultists. He glanced around, but all he saw were the panicked merchants and guards. ”I do not have time for this.” Mono Mono bent over to pick up the spilled cup of ice tea. After examining it, he spun on his heel and pointed down several alleyways. ”Duo, Trio, Quatro. Bring them to the old guild hall when you find them.” Three of the soldiers departed to go down different alleyways. ”The rest of you, let's haul ass!” With a wave of his hand, the rest of his troops followed him.

One of the soldiers bolted down the dead end street that lead to where Eiko, Hilda, and Aki were. Due to Hilda's position, she wasn't in clear view behind the broken boxes. ”Excuse me ladies, but did you see any of the supposed cultists come this way?” The soldier had perfect posture, a polight tone, but his helmet completely obscured his face.

---

Ashton and Yuuki were both being pulled along by Aaron, who seemed to have successfully avoided detection. The gamble that Mono wouldn't send any men this way seemed to have paid off. Though they were still getting odd looks from people all around them. It was probably too soon to say they were out of danger.

"Excuse me." As attention grabbing as their own outfits might have been, the girl that stood before them might have had them beat. She was wearing a red cloak, and where it parted she seemed to be wearing lots of lots of golden trinkets. And if the jingling was any indication, she was wearing a lot more than what was visible. "I must apologize if you're not from around here, but I'm looking for a Mistress Vertti. Have you seen her recently?"

@Ryofu@Rune_Alchemist@Althiel@BrokenPromise

---

Aerith took the hand of Irene without nay a second thought about the matter. Between what Hiro had said, which she was thankful for, and the fact the man was running by with the haste of someone who had maybe reasonably reacted to seeing themselves, and maybe others for all she knew, die in front of them not too long ago.....ah. Maybe this time they had a chance. A chance to save these two guards and be taken somewhere safe. A chance to learn more about this place and get to know things, to try to avoid the bandit ambush proper and-

Oh...

It seemed between all of these things the ambush was thrown off its game. Terribly so. The axe-wielding fire knight seemed to leap into a second-story window, causing an uproar Aerith felt she could only assume was attacking one group of the bandits. Further, the rest of the mob seemed to swarm out after, which at first struck a pang of panic into her chest. She could remember the spears impaling her, the blood gurgling into her lungs, everything as fresh as a raw wound in her mind. Yet they didn't seem to focus on herself or Irene, instead trying to chase after Hiro and Chieko. Though initially pangs of fear went into her about the matter, not wanting them to die again either as she had seen for Chieko at least, but based on the speed the two were moving....ah. This mob of undernourished bandits probably wouldn't be able to catch the physically fit looking Hiro with Chieko in tow. Maybe. If she was going to be optimistic here.

Aerith's senses were on high alert as well, her own sense of vigilance heightened by the adrenaline running through her veins. The panting from running over here felt evaporated as a "fight or flight" response kicked into overdrive in this situation.

By whatever gods they worshiped here, maybe, she hoped Irene and Vasilis and the other two companions in her trip here would be ok. Importantly, she hoped they all got out of this alive first. Speaking of which, she hoped Irene could keep them safe or get them somewhere safe. Unless she didn't want to leave Vasilis here right now? Ah.

Flame Brooks

Flame quite liked 'Father Whiskey' precisely because the latter still thought this wasn't real; that actually made him more affable and less irritating than Alistair, who - and he hated to admit it - had some good ideas and was a take-charge person. Plus, the guy's petty and mean rivalry with his would-be killer (or was it former killer given the time reset?) distracted him from potentially using Flame as a verbal or physical punching bag. Placing his hand over his chest, Flame couldn't help but think of Ashton; he knew that his love was in this world and had probably died and revived as well. I have to get back to Ashton. I have to save him.

As he followed Alistair, Flame experienced another taste of fear as he saw the Dire Wolf (?) barrelling past them and onto the room where the Knights were. Gaping, he said unless someone stopped him, "That was a Dire Wolf! A glowing Dire Wolf! And no, I don't watch Game of Thrones or read the books!" Breathing a little, he turned towards Alistair, then the room they were in. Giving a slight bow of respect to the arrogant man, Flame swallowed his dislike once more and said, "You got us through the corridors safely; thank you."

One should note that he was half-expecting Alistair to take the mirror with him as they continued through this forsaken building. Nevertheless, Flame chastised himself for feeling fear, even as he grudgingly conceded that, for all his arrogance and posturing, Alistair had a few good qualities. A few.

Ashton Andrews

The Scandinavian woman chose to run away. The Japanese kid had resigned himself to death, and was sipping tea. The Asian-American who had admitted to attempting suicide was the most proactive of them all; had he found new energy and determination from his brushes with death? Nevertheless, Ashton would tell his would-be protector as the latter dragged him out of potential danger: "I'll come with you, let me go!", before joining his efforts to pull the other kid away from certain death. "Please," the young man said to Kimura as he pulled at him again, "We can find a way out of this; so don't pull away!"

A goofy grin at that as he continued to pull Kimura and add his strength to Aaron's efforts. Ashton tried to ignore the odd looks; Flame was better at dealing with hostility than he was. He complimented Aaron, "Your plan worked. By the way, can I have your name and the other person's now?"

Then they were interrupted by someone else. Interrupted by a very short woman who showed obvious markings of wealth, as well as a cloth-covered spear like in some Anime he had watched. Either an aristocrat, a retainer, or an Adventurer who had hit the jackpot, if D&D was right. Not that he'd ever played D&D; just knew of it from internet forums.

A pause to measure his response to the young woman's query, "To be honest, no, we don't know of a Mistress Vertti, my good woman. We have just newly come to this city in... Strange circumstances. Possibly kidnapped." Kidnapping is one way to describe what Lord Talus has done to us all. "We don't know our assilants, all we know is that we've been taken here for unknown reasons." Another pause. "That said, it may be that your 'Mistress Vertti' has been taken by the same person who kidnapped me and my friends or otherwise involved in this mystery. So we request permission to see if we can help you look for her."

As the mug of tea splashed against the ground, Yuuki’s right eye twitched, the details of that emotionless man’s face etched into the back of his brain, even while his mind was filled with a color akin to vanilla-white.

Then, there was movement. A tight grip. From his position, he was pulled up and dragged away. For a few moments, the blue-eyed youth did not act, his feet sliding against the uneven pavement. But stagnation did not last long and he found his own pace soon enough, winter boots slapping against sunlit cobblestone as the trio left the market.

The tea may have been most fragrant, but his backpack had also been left behind.

But that couldn’t be helped, could it?

Slowly, the merchants and their wagons gave way to more ‘common folk’, a couple street performers casting curious glances at the trio of guys. Before much could be said, however, an even weirder girl showed up, the gold of her outfit reminiscent of a particular audacious priestess, the scarlet attire reminiscent of blood and fire. Yuuki regarded her cautiously for a moment, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling before he let out a long sigh.

He wasn’t dead. She wasn’t the same as the gas mask man. They had different objectives. Paranoia and distrust will bring him nowhere. Wasn’t he resolved to die to begin with?

Fucking stupid ass teenager.

“That’s unlikely,” Yuuki replied, a glance towards Ashton, “Our circumstances aren’t exactly the same, after all…but yeah, we could certainly help. Could you give us an idea of what your mistress looks like, Miss…?”

The youth gestured vaguely with a smile, encouraging the redhead to share her name.

---

"...I knew it. We let our guard down too easily." Irene pondered as they scurried faster. Malnourished they may look, their capability to anticipate and plan early combined with a persistent will to survive were truly fearsome attributes to possess. Their numbers were great, like a mob pursuing kittens. "Vasilis! To me!" She yelled out, letting go of Aerith's hand afterward and turning around. They stopped in an area where there were no narrow alleyways nor openings in between the neighboring structures. Devoid of space for a surprise attack, she swiftly analyzed the still far-off pursuers on the male and female foreigner duo's tails. "Stay behind me, alright? Please worry not. I won't let any harm occur to you." She declared, with a calm, assured smile.

As the two passed them by, Irene's knight had already landed on her side, denoted by the quaking of the earth. "There you have it, Vasilis. No less than twenty of them, in total."

”You say that like it’s an impressive number.” He adjusted his grip on his axe. ”But I’ll take it down to zero.”

"To my front." Irene ordered, as she slowly closed her eyes. She had already imprinted them on her mind; the lay of the land and the vulnerable positioning of their enemies. Perhaps she may have overestimated them, but having failed their ambush earlier must have placed desperation and fear on their hearts. Her focus was unyielding as the milliseconds passed by, the vagabonds drawing nearer and Vasilis taking a battle stance. Her right palm stretched forward, in perfect alignment and poise.

"El... Her ruby-hued orbs peeled open. ...Shamak."

The incantation she uttered chained down on the opposition instantaneously, perceivable by their next course of action, or the lack thereof. The bandits ceased any form of movement, paralyzed entirely. Their assortment of blunt and sharp weaponry had fallen with an audible clang to the ground. Some of them, unfortunate enough to lose their balance the moment they lost control of their bodies, tumbled face first onto the unforgiving pavement. Irene took off with Vasilis, slowly approaching their immobilized adversaries.

"I pity you rebels... I commiserate with your very unforgiving struggles and experiences, and mayhaps it is due the kingdom's insufficiencies that lead you astray. But to drag down the innocents who are suffering just as much with you is reprehensible."

Vasilis was already running towards the group before Irene finished her speech. ”For my next trick...” The knight started a fire under his feet, just enough to let him hover off the ground. Without the earth under him, he floated towards the vagrants. Even though they were all momentarily stunned, it seemed like they were already starting to regain the ability to move. That was when Vasilis triggered an explosion on the head of his axe, causing him to spin. His axe was spinning in such a way that the bladed head wouldn't hit anyone. However, the sheer weight of his weapon was strong enough to throw anyone it struck to either side of the street. One unlucky thug was hurled into at least four of his companions, and was knocked unconscious when he struck the brick building on the side of the street. In just a few seconds, the entire group had been dispatched. Those that were still conscious were writhing in pain. Vasilis himself had landed on the ground, but he was stumbling around in a circle. ”I keep, forgetting, about the vertigo.” He fell onto one knee and grabbed his head. ”Okay, okay.” With a sigh, he looked over his shoulder at Irene. He quickly winked, forced a smile, and gave her a thumbs up.

A sigh of relief and triumph escaped her, having managed to deal with the sly threat that could have taken their lives today. "There's probably more of them, but I would like to think that we've greatly thinned their numbers." Raising her right hand, the unconscious had been pulled together in a big circle, bound by dark, ethereal chains that materialized around them. After observing the area around them one more time, the denizens, unable to go out and could do nothing but peer through the windows, began congregating outside.

Returning to the trio with a gentle smile, she resumed. "This was made possible with your assistance. Had it not been for you, we would have been encircled back there. I offer you my sincerest thanks." She bent her knee and raised the hem of her dress slightly; a curtsy of gratitude. "My name is Irene. My partner's is Vasilis. If it isn't too much trouble, may I know your names?"

Fredehildr tended to wear the helmet, not due to any belief that it would affect her in combat in any way; her skin was greater protection from an enemy than even the greatest forging money could buy. She simply wore it because someone once told her that it made her appear to be more imposing of a figure, and if there was something that Frede placed great emphasis on was appearing as she believed she should appear: menacingly towards evildoers.

That being said, Fredehildr hated helmets, often losing hers constantly, much to the chagrin of her Knight-Captain, who often questions why an individual would wear a helmet before a battle, only to take it off and throw it on the ground as if it was nothing. Just like Fredehildr did at this moment, despite combat not coming up. As she did this, she placed her greatsword on her back parallel to her arm in an imposing fashion like some sort of Japanese roleplaying game protagonist.

“You have to be crazy to think that a few love marks on my back would do anything to dissuade me, ” Fredehildr responded, as if there was not even a doubt in her mind, a brazen, confident smile across her face. Of course, one might question the use of the word “love marks” as strange, though if questioned about it, Fredehildr would probably respond something along the lines of “Yeah, those guys are the tavern were talking in hushed tones and I thought the word sounded fun to use~” when pressed about it.

“You said it was a tie, though? No way. I won that fair and square. A few scratches on my back ain’t gonna matter much. Got in a bit of trouble for using real weapons for sparing, but Capt’s face was priceless though. Considering that, I think it is only fair you pay for drinks today. Ain’t that how it goes?”

… Well, it wasn’t as if Frede had ever paid for a cent if she lost anything unless it was specifically said in the contest, often forcing this obligation towards other people whenever she had the chance to. One might expect this might be due to some deep-rooted financial issue facing the Merogasque due to the loss of two heirs consecutively in battle, but that was far from the case.

Fredehildr’s wealth was not the issue in this case. She had money to throw around any which way she wanted due to her family. If need be, the Merogasque family had assets to burn, and while their social standing perhaps was not as high as their sister family, the von Freytag, their political pull reached far into even the east due to their mercantilist hold on the trade’s flow.

The issue was simpler than this. She simply did not like the idea of spending her own money when she could get someone else to pay for her in her stead. Notorious for borrowing money but never paying it back; that was the kind of friend Fredehildr was.

“Up ta’ you’ though.”

She had entered the building with the intent of seeing people arrested. Those were her commands. To investigate the area, and bring whatever she had found to her lord. However, she could not imagine seeing “that” there. It was large, but not impossibly so. It was great but felt the power of existence lesser than that of “that” monster by many magnitudes.

But it was still great.

It was still large.

But it didn’t matter to the knight Fredehildr.

With bestial agility, the creature leapt at the helpless woman.

With monstrous strength, the creature struck towards the helpless woman.

… yet …

To fight a beast one must become a beast themselves, surpassing their humanity to the realms of absurdity. That was the rule. A lowly knight was not expected to defeat a creature on his own. That would never

With bestial agility, Fredehildr leapt in between the helpless woman and the beast.

With monstrous strength, Fredehildr struck at the beast.

The floor itself shook at the great strength pushed between her feet and the ground, causing cobblestone and mortar and set to break in the burst of speed.

“Sit.”

A simple command was uttered by Fredehildr as she spectacularly tried to wrestle the beast before her, attempting to stop the beast from attacking the lady and overpower him in order to defeat him.

Regardless of if it worked or not, Fredehildr had a duty to her people. Even if she wished for fame and glory, behind this facade was a commitment to a core belief; the same that her father and brother had believed in. A commitment to the citizens she was to govern over, and those her Lord had governed over.

“A hero has to protect the weak, right?”

---

Thank god. He wasn't dead. Yet. Hiro's blood was still pumping, and adrenaline was still flooding though his body, but that didn't stop him from thinking rationally. He was used to the adrenaline. What he was not used to, was magic. People with flames shooting out around their body that can flip and fly around like they aren't even affected by gravity. That still bothered him. God, hopefully that would change eventually.

Regardless of his thoughts, he had saved the two people, and they had saved him in response. Good. That said, he was still a little off put that they were not trying to immediately leave the area that was likely still trying to figure out a way to murder them all. He would have to push for that as soon as possible. In fact, as soon as possible pretty much meant immediately.

Actually, wait. Aerith had clearly remembered what had happened. Chieko probably had as well. But it seems as though Irene and Vasilis had not. He hadn't really thought about it prior, but that was strange? What was the criteria? It seemed likely to him that the people that were originally from this world didn't remember the little time loop that they had previously been in. That was. . . . . interesting. It made for a bit of a dilemma. What were they to do if this happened again? Should they just take the same action that they knew would get them out of the immediate predicament? But what if that only caused the loop to happen once more?

This was a problem.

But now wasn't the time to worry about that. It was time to get out of here and hope that nothing untoward would happen once more. He forced a smile.

"Ah, yes. My name is Hiro. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Now, as much as I would love to get to know more about this place and you, may I recommend that we relocate to an area that hasn't recently tried to kill us?"

The smile on his face said that it didn't really matter to him either way, but he hoped that his words would be enough. Hopefully Vasilis wasn't cocky enough to ignore any present danger for laughs. At the very least, he seemed to listen to Irene, and she seemed the smart sort.

---

The situation the trio found themselves in was supposed to have been better than their last life, but with the appearance of a rather large wolf, such wishes were lost. Alistair clicked his tongue in annoyance as the thing barreled towards the knights, and then quietly looked around the room. At this time, Flame had begun to speak. The young man seemed to be having some sort of nervous fit, or perhaps he was just a fanboy of fantasy? Alistair never bothered with Game of Thrones himself, but he knew impressionable youths often enjoyed it.

Were both of these guys delusional?

Hoping the assumption that they were not was the correct choice, Alistair moved towards the mirror on the dresser, looking at his reflection for a moment. "I doubt any kind of wolf is going to impede that woman back there so we should hurry," he stated, ignoring the gratitude Flame was showing for the moment. His focus was entirely on escaping, and these dogs were nothing more than a hinderance. Maybe these "dire wolves" as Flame had addressed them had some special properties to their attacks, but it was impossible to know without witnessing it, and the last thing Alistair wanted to do was waste time.

Alistair decided to elbow the mirror on the dresser. He found a few sizable pieces and took one, offering the rest to the young man and the preacher. "I'd rather risk it with this damned wolf in the back than face that humiliation, but right now this is the best we can do for protection," he explained. Alistair then decided to head towards the room the wolf had come from. He'd hoped he was only hearing one of them back there, otherwise, things would become a lot more difficult. But he reasoned that it would be pointless to try to hide three men in one room like that. Or, perhaps he was just too prideful to resort to hiding? Either way, he'd made up his mind and set off with a broken piece of mirror as his weapon.

Middle of Alley, Suttling's Basin, Priestella
@Crusader Lord@Ryofu@Althiel@BrokenPromise
Deaths: 1

---

For the most part, Chieko let herself be pulled along by Hiro. She had nothing to say, merely pulling her scarf up around her chin and keep moving. Being only slightly Athletic, she had trouble keeping up, but she refused to let herself be carried or coddled, out of breath not even seconds later. Soon enough, they passed by Irene and Vasilis. They didn't seem to recognize them, running them into nearly the same way as they had before. She didn't think too much of it right now, but Hiro alerted them to the ambush that was ahead.

Soon enough, things went to shit, and Chieko couldn't help but to watch Vasilis' heroics, still holding onto Hiros hand unconsciously as Irene told them to stay behind her. Well, it wasn't like she was going to go anywhere else. The fight ended fairly quickly, the fire knight using those impressive acrobatics and fire magic to swiftly end the fight. The non-native could only look on in awe.

"Chieko." She replied in a mildly curt manner to Irene's questions before releasing Hiro's hand as she realized she was still holding it. Part of her wanted to act like she had before, naively ask him everything about it she could, but she still wasn't feeling so great after effectively being murdered - but this may be her fastest chance of figuring out how to do it. "Hey that was magic right? How'd you do that?" She asked, walking over to Vasilis. Despite more muted tone this time, if her widened eyes were anything to go by she was obviously both curious and excited.

What would be the last thing you’d expect while trying to calmly eat your fruit in the shade? Most likely, it’d be that you were interrupted from doing it or something got in your way of doing it. Well, for Anyon, both of those happened pretty much in quick succession as she found herself on the floor in a way less lit place than she would’ve like. Her clothes got a tad dirtied and her hat fell off, now closer to her neck. The robe was also slightly more opened due to earlier. Rubbing her head for only 3 seconds, she heard footsteps. Loud, very quick footsteps. And ones that, considering the number of them, were most certainly not human. Her eyes popped open and she looked to her side. Sure enough, a giant wolf was barreling in her direction. An annoyed groan came out of her mouth before giving a shrug. This day? Went from bad boring to bad interesting real damn quick. Glaring at her lupine opponent, she nudged a bit back as her hand extended a little bit out, with her right foot in a runner’s position and the other leg in a kneel position. Get ready...Get set.

”Al Hu-!

Her sentence was cut off by a knight stepping in pretty much out of nowhere. The only noise Anyon let out at this was a surprised “Uhhh…” as she saw the girl try and wrestle a giant wolf. The girl that, just by looking at her, she knew she had a solid 2 or 3 heads on in terms of height. Another confused “Uhhh…” escaped her lips as she raised an eyebrow. What the hell is even going on at the moment? Interrupting that thought though, the girl then said “A hero has to protect the weak, right?” which may have been an admirable sentence...if she didn’t say in front of the once confused, now positively pissed monk.

”Are you freaking kidding me with this shit?” She said in her gravely deep-pitched throat, with her voice reeking of resent. She could deal with plenty of insults and other people’s bull. But she will not tolerate being called weak just cause she got caught off-guard. Not in a hundred, thousand, million years.

Anyon stood up quickly from where she previously sat. The entire time she was staring at the large wolf directly at where its red eyes were as she let out her own low, low growl at it. The look of a predator was something she knew, of a creature ready to kill. It was a look she was all too familiar with, from humans and animals and mabeasts. Except, for most, that was a look of survival, usually not so much any emotion. Emotion was on her face, oh you can be sure of that. Her eyes had the distinct “kill or be killed” appearance, but it also had a very different look in it. It had a distinct, pure, unrelenting hate in the pupils and expression. It almost looked like her eyes were even glowing with the sheer anger it was radiating. Her large staff was held up in her other hand, being gripped tighter and tighter. It was this wolf’s fault that her day suddenly got worse and, as it now turned out, she was going to need some form of relief for this new rage. ”Oh, do you want to fight, mutt?” It was still much larger than her overall, if we were to compare it tail to head to her, but at least the height difference was assuredly far less than it was previously now that she was standing completely straight up. She let out a puff from her nostrils as her previous snarling grimace turned into an unquestionable half-smirk. The smirk of a predator was on her face as she stepped a few feet away from where the knight and wolf were wrestling.

She extended her right hand and held it out with her palm opened wide. ”Al. Huma! You lousy fucker!” She practically roared. She brought the fist up and, with it, 3 fairly large icicles, taller than her at the very least, rose up from the ground, behind and to rearest sides of the wolf. Unintentionally or perhaps intentionally, the one behind it was fairly close to its tail, possibly even spearing it through if it was unlucky enough. She had her legs positioned as well, muscles ready. If it decided to come at her, those legs were still ready to get out of the way and just cast shield to brawl with the creature too.

@BrokenPromise @Phonic @Red Alice

The creature growled as it attempted to push past Frede, But it was a simple matter for the bestial knight to wrestle the thing to the ground. It kicked and snapped it's teeth in the air, but appeared to be pinned in place. Even if it could move, Anyon had cut off any route of escape.

The trio walked back out into the hallway, shards of glass in hand. Father whiskey illuminated the way from the back with his lighter. Alistair and Flame could hear him saying things about “these kids” with a smile and shake of his head. As they quickened their steps, whiskey only laughed and kept up. They passed many rooms, but they soon walked through the doorway at the end.

The end room was a massive dining hall. It was very long, and featured a single rectangular table that could probably seat over a hundred men. It still had a table cloth on it, it had almost entirely rotted away. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and whiskey's lighter was just bright enough to illuminate the cobwebs stretching between them. There was a massive door at the other end of the room. Anyone who knew anything about how such establishments were set up could guess that it was likely a kitchen. But there was something else in the room with them. At first it looked like Lord Talus's glowing eyes and smile. But they were too small, too close to the ground. This was not the giant that approached them previously.

“Goa.”

The chandeliers all lit up, revealing the shape of the figure. It actually looked like a maid, but it had that same “effect” that Lord Talus had. Being made of black, smoldering darkness that flaked off into the air. With the extra light, the trio could see the walls were covered in decorative drapes, and most of them looked to still be in good shape. There were a few open windows, but they were relatively high up. Maybe fifteen feet above the floor. But the most concerning thing in the room was the giant wolf at the other end of the table. It was starting to stand up now that all the lights were on. Unlike the other wolf, this one was truly a monster. Once it was up on all fours, it was easily ten feet tall. The smoldering maid gave everyone a wave before vanishing entirely. The wolf made no sudden movements, but its growl could be heard anywhere in the guild hall.

---

Vasilis forced a grin, but his eyes were still spinning. ”Uh, I just sort of, think about what spell I want to use, and then the magic happens when I focus.” He closed his eyes. ”I'd actually be happy to go into detail with you later about it.” He looked over his shoulder at Irene. ”You think we got them all?”

”I wouldn't count on that.” A wolf girl in suspenders and a disheveled shirt ran a hand through her hair before leaning out the window of an adjacent building. ”There are so many poor and hungry and so few rich folks like yourselves.” She giggled. ”It's really not true what they say about the strong dominating the weak. The hungry will always devour the plump.” She sighed and looked at Hiro. ”But how did you spot that ambush? Hmmmmmm, Hmmmmm...” She rubbed her chin while intently staring at Hiro. She was humming loudly enough that she might not hear Hiro's response, should he choose to talk. Or perhaps this was her way of letting him know an answer wasn't necessary. ”Anyway, I think tight-eyes over here has the right idea. You should leave as soon as possible. If you're worried about running into a second ambush, I'm sure he could spot it a mile away! With those tight eyes of his.” She gave everyone a wink before stepping away from the window, vanishing from sight.

---

While Eiko and Aki considered their response, Hilda panicked and bolted past everyone, including the guard. ”Hey! Stop right there!” The soldier immediately took off after Hilda, leaving the two other girls alone in the allyway.

---

Aer glanced between Ashton and Yuuki as they took turns speaking. Though she did glance momentarily at Aaron as well.

"Yes, I figured you weren't local. I'm actually a stranger here myself." To demonstrate this, she waved her arm along the visible trinkets they could see. "My name is Aer Pacifica. I'm an adventurer who's task is currently locating Mistress Vertti. She is no one I have personally met, and she has been gone for over a week." She sighed before extending her hand to the side. "If you're new to the area, you probably won't be of much help. Though the offer is appreciated." Aer was about to walk off, but she suddenly froze in place. "Oh, right." she turned to look at the three boys. "This city is sealed off. It's surrounded by bandits and the only people allowed to go in or out are licensed adventurers and merchants." She squint her eyes. "If you were kidnapped, then you're walking around in the open now because...?" Aer closed her eyes. "I don't have time for this. But it's not safe to walk around here. You're clearly not locals, and if you don't have a passport that allows you entry, the punishment can be very harsh." The cloaked woman fixed her eyes on Aaron and reached behind her back with one arm."I'm going to take you to the authorities. What they do to you will not be pleasant, but at least you'll have a chance to prove you're not in league with the bandits."

The locals were becoming increasingly interested in the group of boys, and started to stop and observe the scene. The longer they waited, the more denser the crowd would get.

@Ryofu@Rune_Alchemist@Althiel@BrokenPromise

---

Aerith had hidden behind Irene, clinging onto the other girl in a genuine manner. It was almost pathetic, like a scared child clinging to hope and to their mother in the face of something terrifying. But it was not this mob that was the thing that scared Aerith the most, or got under her skin right now.

It was the memories.

Spears impaling her body repeatedly, their cold, potentially rusted metals gouging, piercing, tearing mercilessly into parts of her she had never truly "felt" before this moment. Her own hand, reaching out in futility to try to stop them, to grasp something, to pull out the spear in desperation....but yet it was too weak, too frail, too drained of that precious lifeblood flowing out of her body as the taste of iron had filled her mouth and soaked her taste buds in that grinding metallic sensation. The life, seeping from every hole and gaping maw of her body, even as her eyes struggled to stay open and her body had succumbed to the gnawing, gnashing, in a sense creeping cold of death as the warmth of life had left her loins.

It was a scene that would haunt her all her days.



Those words and smile gave her some real hope, hope these two would be alive, hope herself and Hiro and Chieko would remain alive this time....for as long as they could manage. Hope she could find out who had loved her so much as to want her to be there.

But before more of these thoughts could continue on, Irene seemed to go into a "state" of some kind, a sort of focusing state? It seemed somewhat familiar to her to what a swimmer might do during a competition, that "mode" one seemed to take on when training and determination met focus and a desired goal in front of them. It was almost....fascinating how Irene seemed to do this, though, and as Aerith focused on her briefly she listened to what the ruby-orbed girl said.



The words sent a thrum of...something through Aerith's body, her bones even. Perhaps a shiver? A resonance with her by some mysterious means? Maybe it was just a reaction to seeing this....magic, of all things, used to suddenly stop an entire mob in one uttered phrase without any further actions? She had no idea, but the words felt interesting as she mouthed them behind the back of Irene. Not saying them, but thinking on them herself, focusing on them and that pronunciation Irene had used.

It was like one of those moments a person would always remember from then on, that abnormally strong sensation at the moment where they got the feeling of "i'll remember this" for no apparent reason at the time.

As Vasilis and Irene checked out and rounded up the defeated bandits, Aerith ran over to where Hiro and Chieko were. Though before she could say a word, her breaths still a little panting from the prior panic of "those" memories they had all three perhaps just experienced a short time ago, the two knights seemed to turn and talk to them again. As the other two answered, Aerith used the sleeve of her shirt to wipe off some sweat and take a few deep breaths. She even heard Vasilis give his small explanation as she watched Chieko talk to him breifly, though she could tell something was "off" about the other girl....and rightfully so based on what had happened to the three of them.

"My name is Aerith. I am pleased to meet you both, and-"

It was then someone interrupted them, just as Aerith was beginning to speak up to Irene and Vasilis to introduce herself. A girl with wolfish ears and a tail, wearing suspenders. Though this struck a minor chord of panic for Aerith in her current state, as quick as the girl had appeared she seemed to leave the group again to their own devices. A bit of panic subsided at this, but overall Aerith looked back to Irene and Vasilis again, a mix of trying to be calm and polite.....but also urgent...on her part.

"-and with that i agree with Hiro that we should all relocate to a far safer place and area. Ah, swiftly perhaps, so we can all talk more without another ambush."

Truth be told her own senses were still on alert, though she kept a bit closer to Irene and Vasilis somewhat unconsciously out of a desire to stay alive. The faster they vacated the area and were safe, the better they would all be right now.

Flame Brooks

Flame genuinely thought Alistair would do something to reduce his gratitude in the following moments, but then that guy surprised him once more by actually acting smart and.. Kind-ish. With a nod, Flame mumbled a 'thanks' before taking a sizable mirror shard and following the rich kid out the door and onto the building. Looking again at Father Whiskey, the young man thought: More exceptions to the general trend of bad people. Well, partial exceptions; Alistair is still a prick while Father Whiskey might have his own dark side, but those can be lived with.

Then they arrived in an old feasting room, and that was when things took a downturn again.

A wolf. A monster wolf. And before that, a lady maid made up of shadows who was just like Lord Talus. Chandeliers, lighting up with magic to further highlight the Monster Wolf (capitalized now) and all Flame can do now was stand still as he thought: Are we dying again? Is Lord Talus killing us over and over for his own amusement, or for another sinister purpose?

He looked towards Alistair, realizing that he had grown to depend on the arrogant rich kid for leadership. For a brief moment, the surprise in his mood overwhelmed the boy's fear, before said fear was redoubled. He then said, "Alistair, do what you have to do. Ask me whatever is needed and I will do it."

How strange for his emotions to have changed so quickly since the beginning. Then again, maybe it was time for Alistair to disappoint them all at the last minute; maybe all this show of genuine leadership was a fluke.

Ashton Andrews

The smaller kid had decided to go along with them; that was good. Ashton was going to let the others take command of the situation for now; let his companions have their input. After all, he can learn from them, right? That, and I don't want to be a control freak. Flame will kill me if I am like that too often. At the thought of Flame, Ashton had a brief smile... Before the young woman enlightened them to the situation of the town they were in. Some sort of blockade and a lawless situation, was it? As well as feeling obliged to hand them over to the authorities? Yeah...no. Guess I am going to sieze control of the situation after all.

His right hand went to the smartphone he had in his pocket; turning it on in one press of a button. His next motion would be to activate the camera, then pulling up one of his videos. He would then show said video, a video of his home, family, and Flame, to Aer before he said, "This ought to be proof that we're not some sort of evil spies or subversives that other people might suspect we are. We're just people with our own lives and families taken away from the admittedly strange land we used to live in. And we're not going to die here, away from said lives and homes and families. So please, either help us or we just run away."

Ashton held up his phone as a video played out on it. A video of him and flame in some far off land that probably wasn't a part of this new world. Aer kept her distance, but leaned in to see the tiny image playing out on the screen. It made noises, and everyone could hear Ashton, Flame, and his family. Some of the onlookers gasped, and spoke to each other in hushed tones. Aer smiled and closed her eyes.

"Alright, I can see I was wrong to suspect you might be bandits." Her eyes shot open, and her smile had entirely vanished from her face. "You're cultists!" She pulled something off of her back and held it in both of her hands. It was still covered in cloth, but at this point it was very evident it was a pole weapon of some kind. "No self respecting bandit would let you walk around with such a powerful magical device!"

It would seem that Ashton has perhaps overlooked the fact that the video on his phone was only really proof to people who understood how a phone worked. Anyone in his old world would know how difficult it was to edit something like a movie on a phone. But this world understood magic, not electronics. The image on his phone could have been an illusion, a collection of tiny actors locked inside the phone, or a staged scene. It meant very little to people who didn't understand how it worked. Certainly it would be impossible to teach someone who was suspicious of you.

"Even if you're innocent, it's too dangerous for you to walk around without any sort of documentation." There was no mistaking it, she just slid her feet into a stance. "I'm not going to ask a third time, you will come with me. Now."