Ashton admired Aerith for keeping her composure, but despite his annoyance at Chieko, he had to make peace with both her and the others. Or at least, remind them all that whether they liked this or not, they were all in this together. So he spoke a few last words, "Going to get papers... It's a temporary measure. We can always go to the other places afterward, but for now, we need to be safe for a few seconds more. Like it or not, we need to get settled, we need to build ourselves up to a point where we can stand on our own two feet, and while going for safety won't solve the problem long-term, sometimes, the only thing we can do is buy time."
He looked at Flame, but the other boy was already saying, "Nevertheless, Ashton, I am going with Alistair and perhaps the Japanese Girl to where Doctor Donovan is if Alistair insists on going to the 'Good Doctor'. But again, I have no objections to just going with you once more as long as we do it now."
Flame looked at Yuuki, gave him a nod of acknowledgment, "It's true that our present strategies are not working right now. We're all angry and frustrated at each other. But if we all hate each other as a group, we're going to die countless times and then be forced to endure each other in this futile cycle, and no one wants that."
The redhead then stood between Alistair and Chieko, ready to follow their lead to go to Doctor Donovan. As Ashton looked at his boyfriend, then Chieko, then Aerith, and after that Yuuki, all he can do is have faith in... Someone that they would all make the right choice. A glance at Aki, the street urchin from this world who had chosen to hang along with Chieko; he thought of asking her to persuade the Japanese Girl to go along with them, but that would be seen as manipulative and he didn't want that.
Countless lives had been lost attempting to deal with those assassins, and despite a relatively good head on his shoulders, Alistair had to admit that he was surprised knowing the future meant as little as it did. Sure, they knew when and where the assassins would strike, they even knew what moves each one would start with by that point, but it was impossible to get everything down to a T, like one would in a video game or the sort. Not only did they have to repeat things every single attempt, but a fight was a lot different than a dance, and moves that became routine were bound to fail. The assassins seemed to have little difficulty adjusting to how they fought back, and unless they rehearsed this day a thousand times over, their defeat was all but assured.
Alistair Archibald did not currently have the patience for that kind of dedication, and nobody else seemed to want to continue any further. He was stubborn though and perhaps kept them on this path a bit longer than he'd intended. But nobody else offered an idea until just now, and to know he was helpless despite how much foresight they had was a blow to his pride that he did not want to admit had landed. All of that said, if one path was closed, that merely meant they would need to take another. And so he had declared he would be heading with the good Doctor Donovan to perhaps change their fate.
Donovan, the kind soul, was missing during the loops they managed to make it to his office. That did not bode well, as the implications were that he was either part of this whole incident (which Alistair vehemently denied was the case) or that he had been dealt with because of one of these assassins, something he would never forgive them for. How cruel, how idiotic! Do they really believe they will be allowed to get away with such a heinous crime? Not on Alistair's watch. He apparently had all the time he needed, what with the fact he had perished before becoming something he was desensitized to. And while the point made about their 'resets' potentially carrying some form of consequence was fair, that also did not mean they shouldn't make use of this ability for as long as they could.
It may not be the wisest decision to throw themselves into certain death at every opportunity, but what fool would not make use of a card they have been dealt?
"If you guys are going to join, then let us not waste any more time," he told the others who seemed to wish to join Donovan along with himself. "In order to open a path to a future that is bright, ideal, and lengthier than the one we've been subject to, we'll need a keen eye for details pertaining towards these bastards attacking us, as well as the situation surrounding both them and us. To that end, even if things take a turn for the worse, which I imagine they will... absorb as much information as you can. Let no death be in vain." his words given to the others, he decided to approach the good doctor, who was waiting just a short distance away.
"I'll be in your care, my good fellow. Allow me to do what I can to repay you for the save."
Larchmond Private Warehouse - Building C (Warehouse District), Priestella
Human... disgusting human...
That thought had ran in her head the moment Mirt began speaking. Elque glared, her ears perking straight up while a wolfish growl came from her lips, he talks of demanding papers of the Noble House she serves yet he just stole the very thing she was looking for. This wouldn't be the first time humans like him played tricks on her no... she wasn't going to let that happen again, the grip on her blade returned to its usual hold, one that's ready to draw her blade.
You're all the same, entitled fleshbags who think they're better than us... we'll see who's better when I slice off your head and taking it with me as a trophy.
Mirt calling Mie an "underling" simply didn't help his case, genuinely believing that Mie was enslaved by this old bastard and was ready to liberate her from him and his quiet female compatriot.
If Mie has a plan to cool things down, now would be the time.
Hero's District, Priestella Death count: 1 Reset Count: 4
Chieko didn't say much to Aerith's rant. In fact, she almost didn't visibly react at all, aside from returning her gaze to the ground and pulling her scarf over her mouth once more. Communication wasn't the problem here. No, their stubborn bullheadedness of constantly throwing things at the wall over and over again was the problem. Maybe if they took a moment to sit and actually talk with each other and think about things instead of running off and doing whatever they wanted too at the expense of everyone else! If people didn't care about her opinion? Fine. She didn't care about their opinions any more.
But she wouldn't start anything else, no.
She knew better than to say anything else at this point. She didn't want any trouble, truly, she didn't. But why could people never accept the harsh reality, even if it was a bitter pill to swallow? Aerith talked about all these things, but they were completely wrong.
"No, but it would give all of us a chance to group together and actually communicate when we're not constrained by time instead of being forced to choose." She replied coldly, walking past Aerith. Never said she was good at not talking. It was simple logic, really. Sure things may not work out perfectly, but if they were all together and knew where everyone else was wouldn't they have an easier time of it? She had half a mind to walk off and just leave them. If they kept dying from stubbornness, that was their problem and she was out of patience with them.
Chieko quietly walked after Ashton and Alistair, and Donovan. Alistair seemed like he somewhat knew what he was talking about moreso than the others on some level. She still didn't agree with just blindly throwing themselves to the wolves, but she had little choice now. Ugh...she really didn't want to do this, but she wasn't going to be dying here in any sense of the word. Not again. She refused.
"Uhm...I'll go with you, sir."
Mie Yukima
Warehouse
Negotiations had been going so well and then Mirt had to go and muck it up. Mie simply swished her tail back and forth irritably. Fool. Moron. Idiot. Mie had half a mind to let things just play out the way they were going and let the foreigner lay in the bed he made. Mie tolerated many things, but extreme foolishness and ignorance was not one of them. But she couldn't let her current employer make such a mistake, could she? Mie sighed.
Normally in any other circumstance she would do what was most entertaining at the time, and watching this pretty kitten attempt fighting Mirt would be hilarious...but she had been hired, and the thought of pulling a fast one over some corrupt humans was far more enticing.
Ah, she wanted some alcohol.
Before things could get further out of hand, Mie reached up without even looking behind her. With a surprising amount of swiftness and strength, she grabbed Mirt by his significant beard an pulled so his face was now level with hers.
"Look here, you halfwit foreigner." Mie began with a tired tone. "You hired me because you needed a merchant. I'm more than happy to make an extra, quick buck..." She turned her head slowly towards him. "...what I'm not happy about, is needless complications. So shut up and let the one you hired to do talking for you actually do it or I'll shave this beard of yours." She forcefully released the grip on his beard as she turned back to Elque.
"I apologize for my fool of a benefactors words. Make no mistake, pretty kitten, I am just a humble merchant he hired to do the talking for him...as well, do the less than desirable parts of this whole thing, heh. But that's okay, my hands haven't been clean in a long time." She chuckled.
Larchmond Private Warehouse - Building C (Warehouse District), Priestella
Just one slice, she thought. One slice, one clean cut to his neck and it would all be over. As simple as her single mind was, she wasn't quite expecting any mishaps on her end, believing that Demi-Humans are much more skilled than humans overall, much more an old man, she completely underestimates him by thinking a simple decapitation could just end it all.
Her fingers curled down on the blade. Prepped for the early death blow, she tried to aim for his neck-
"Look here, you halfwit foreigner."
Eyes blinking, form stopping. She retracts her blade within the sheath and watched the event unfold before her eyes. "You hired me because you needed a merchant. I'm more than happy to make an extra, quick buck..." She turned her head slowly towards him. "...what I'm not happy about, is needless complications. So shut up and let the one you hired to do talking for you actually do it or I'll shave this beard of yours."
Wasn't she the slave and he, the cruel master? Why is she taking charge? Of all things... why the beard? Nevertheless she got a chuckle from this, the sight of a Demi just pulling a human's facial hair was enough to make her giggle adorably.
"...while that was a good laugh... what's really going on here? You're not stalling me, are you?" Favor restored? A little bit, she's now just a tiny bit worried that the three are in cahoots despite her small outburst of joy. Especially since her eyes trail down Mie's.
"I apologize for my fool of a benefactors words. Make no mistake, pretty kitten, I am just a humble merchant he hired to do the talking for him...as well, do the less than desirable parts of this whole thing, heh. But that's okay, my hands haven't been clean in a long time."
"So it's illegal..." Elque was intrigued, seeing as Mie claimed that it was a human's company they're technically robbing it sat pretty well with her, tail wagging to and fro showing hints of excitement, although they probably don't know her, she doesn't know them. It'd be bad if Gris found out that his pet kitten went off to rob some guy. "What's the prize anyway?"
Mirt stumbled forward, caught unawares by the truly shocking little display of prowess by the previously harmless looking merchant girl. His shock could not have been more complete than it was when Mie talked down to him like a disobedient child before releasing him. Where Anyon was all too ready to leao in for another healthy dose of public abuse to the elderly, planting a light kick to Mirts rump that had the older cleric flat on his face.
For his part, Mirt took it well. The whole situation was ridiculous of course but the facts were clear that his act of a haughty noble had been too much. The other woman had been ready to strike, the intention was all too clear on her face nevermind her posture. Had it come to blows, his disadvantage was obvious. To strike an innocent woman would have shamed Alyanas memory irrevocably.
Spitting out a bit of dust, Mirt rose to his knees sputtering as he wiped the dust from his well marvelously long beard, sarcastically muttering about inaubordination.
"When I was a young man, ladies had better sense than to strike their employer!" Anyons barking laughter had her holding both sides. Mirt merely smiled and winked at Elque before returning to his feet. "Truer is, I deserved that. Mie, you have the right of it of course."
Leaning in, Mirt whispered with his hand covering his mouth so only Mie could hear. "If they work for a noble, they might report this to Larchmond. Caution, please." That done, Mirt merely dusted his robes and returned to his rightful position a step behind Mie, politely smiling. The kick and beard pulling forgotten.
"As long as no one drops a name we'll be fine. I know what I'm doing old man. This isn't my first time." She replied back, snickering lightly. Besides, if this kitten did help, even if she found out later - she'd already be an accomplice. Such a thing could be used for leverage. "Though if it was, that'd just mean it'd be more fun."
"Your prize depends." The fox returned her gaze to Elque. "The old folks here are administering some swift justice to some humans who thinks its alright to beat up women." Mie's tail swished idly as she spoke. "My prize is going to be lining my pockets with their money...and maybe anything else I can get my paws on. My job is to get them in and get all these uncouth cretin's all to bet against the lady there in a fighting ring. Quick and easy money, from what I can tell." Thinking about it realistically, Elque didn't really have a job she could do. She really didn't need help in this matter, or in the matters of persuasion.
She was well trained in all these matters after all.
"That's the short of it, at least. I can't really go into any detail." Mie hummed lightly. "...you don't have to participate in the convincing, but truth be told I'm just a merchant. I'm not exactly someone who goes around fighting. Having an extra sword would be most helpful." She grinned playfully. "It'd make me feel safer at least...and maybe this little fox could be convinced to play with the little kitten a bit later."
The group eventually decided that Aerith, Hiro, Yuuki, and and Ashton would be going with Aer, while Alistair, Chieko, and Flame would chill with Donovan.
”Wha?! Nobody wants to help me!?” Fritzi puffed up her cheeks and sunk into the counter. This made it really easy to see her tail. It was bent over like a wilted flower, But as this RP is entirely filled with THOTS, they were probably looking at her cleavage, as it was squished between her chest and the countertop. ”Well, have fun with them Donovan! And don't forget your stuff guys!” Before long, they were off.
Clinic, The Golden Quarter, Priestella
Donovan's clinic wasn't much different from the last time Alistair and Flame saw it. Only there were people in here now, and no one was choking on whatever the hell was killing them last time. ”Am quite glad you all decided to help the less fortunate. Hard to find the virtuous type in this day and age.” He extended an arm to a woman standing at the far end of the room. The glare she was giving the foreigners was not a happy one. ”Her name's Quill. She's a little shy around humans, but she'll warm up to ya in no time.” Alistair couldn't be 100% certain, but he was pretty sure she looked like the person who attacked them. It was hard, because she wasn't wearing a cloak. But her face and white hair were very familiar. He hadn't seen many people with white hair. ”We're gonna find out what type of magic you have. It would be beneficial if you could use that to heal people, but we ain't always got the luxory.” The process was slightly different than with Fritzi. Donovan took Alistair's arm in both his hands, and flashed Alistair a smile. ”Just a little twist will let me know what ya got.” After gently rotating Alistair's arm behins his back, Donovan's brow raised. ”Darkness and water. darkness has it's uses, but you can use water magic to heal a lot of aliments.” He went down the line, confirming that Chiyo and Flame both had an affinity with fire. ”Gotta be careful with fire. It can cauterize wounds and sterilize equipment, but too much can cause more harm than good.” After that, Donovan gave Chieko and Flame a run down on how to use magic. About picturing an object filling up and saying “Goa” to cast fire spells. ”I'm gonna have you practice on these candles. Try not to use too much mana.” He handed the two of them one candle each. ”Might want to stand back, wouldn't want your first patients to be yourselves.” he winked. ”Quill, mind getting Alistair squared away?”
Begrudgingly, Quill approached Alistair. It was fortunate that looks couldn't kill, because Alistair would have been done for. ”It's not that much different with water magic.” Quill drew a long, slender needle out of her hair and stabbed herself in the arm with it. The hole wasn't any bigger than a needle, but it went all the way through her arm, and she didn't even flinch. ”The trick with healing magic is just to use mana very slowly. At least at your level.” She pushed the needle back into her hair, not bothering to wipe it clean. ”focus on the deepest part of the wound and work your way out.”
Starting Location, Hero's district, Priestella
For some, this would be the fourth time taking this route. The fourth time Aer asked the exact same questions, and the fourth time Ashton answered them. It was really a wonder the players didn't all get bored and leave at this point. Hell, Hiro's poster isn't posting out of spite. I don't quite believe that because they didn't post very much when they were happy with me either. But you know what? Maybe I deserve it. Maybe this is all on me.
But something was different this time.
Aerith and Hiro stopped in their tracks, spotting a tiny cloaked woman. Aer did not pay the woman much mind. Of course, Aer was quite short herself, and hadn't been murdered by a killer loli and her taller counterpart three times already. There was no reason to pay such a character much mind.
Hiro leaned over towards Aerith. "I think that's her!" His voice was shaking.
As Ashton walked on, the back of his thoughts felt like acid, burning him with their demands to be acknowledged. Because now that he had heard what Chieko had to say for herself when she was calm, he knew this: She was right. Well, right-ish. He wasn't going to be making excuses for the chuuni girl's conduct, but he wanted, no, needed to tell the truth; to further uproot the black seeds of mistrust that had been sown earlier. So, he opened his mouth to say to Aerith -
And found Hiro already whispering to the young woman, while at the same time glancing at a beggar girl with a grey cloak. It seemed that as inferred from Hiro's barely-heardwords, their killer was now following them; following them while they were still under guard by Aer and Wisp.
Ashton knew this, that there was a 50/50 chance or more that they''d try and get Aer and Wisp to attack the pint-sized hit-girl, or otherwise cause a commotion, or otherwise betray their foreknowledge in public. What he hated the most was that they'd use this to 'discredit' Chieko's (and his) proposals without completely comprehending them.
The boy looked at his older compatriots, and was tempted for the first time, to ignore the interests of the group; did he really want to be the glue trying to stop them from self-destructing at little reward to himself, even confinued survival? He wanted to be kind, he wanted to be good, but he wasn't perfect and should stop trying to be such. Ashton Andrews did not want to let the group die once more, but he also was tired of voicing opinions that were not going to be listened to, much like he knew Chieko would be. He was also tired of how mean Chieko was, how she was a judgemental jerk who buried valid points underneath arrogance and spite.
Kimura also had genuine grievances, but his behavior had been nothing short of irritating (not to him but to others). It hurt, it hurt how this crisis was bringing the worst out of the group. But Ashton knew that the cards he had been dealt with were... Cards he had been dealt with; a play can still be made by them if he had the right perspective.
Strategy was the name of the game here.
Going to where Wisp was, he would ask the cat-boy in a low voice: "Wisp, do you smell any danger, anything suspicious? As in, are we being watched?"
Flame Brooks
Concentrate on an object filling up. Flame knew what a metaphor was; the object represented how much Mana/Magical Energy can fit in his mind, magical energy that can be used to light candles and other things. Flame resisted the urge to sniff the candles; it would not do to let Doctor Donovan know he suspected poison. So he concentrated on gathering his magical energies, then said, as mildly as possible, holding the candle out, "Goa."
The candle sparked, then lit up, a small bright flame slowly consuming the wick. Flame didn''t hold his breath, or breathe in too deeply, he just lost himself in wonder at how he can do Magic now.
His pehipheral gaze turned towards Chieko, who must by now be enjoying her access to powers that defied the laws of reality. Flame Brooks knew she was driven, he respected her a little despite her mean attitude. Here was hoping that Donovan's assistant, who resembled the white-haired woman Aerith was ranting about earlier, wouldn't show her true colors right away. Even then, assuming what said 'true colors' were would be too quick to think about. His next thoughts were: Ruined World + Cast of Jerk = I don't care what happens to these people.
The world wasn't ruined, but he was definitely a jerkface and so was everyone else, even Ashton; he knew his boyfriend well enough that even the latter had limits to his kindness.
As the candles were lit, Flame waited for the drowsy feeling that accompanied the poison that had killed him twice before. If he was being poisoned, he will wait for the reset. If he was not being poisoned, he will wait and see what Donovan had planned next. Either way, Flame Brooks tried to whisper to Chieko, "You were right. Let's share deductions next reset. We'll back you up then."
Words Doctor Donovan would not know the meaning of. Words he might even fail to listen to, due to the geas/curse that affected them all.
Larchmond Private Warehouse - Building C (Warehouse District), Priestella
"Human on human affairs are not my problem but if there are demis being abused in there then maybe..." A direct, straight answer coming from the Wolf Cat as she took out the katana from her sheathe, judging from its blade and woven grip it was new... benefits in working for a noble? Maybe. She didn't have trouble swinging it around near them just to show off to Mie about how much of an expert she is in wielding such a blade before sheathing it back into the sleek black cover.
"Although... if you have a spare cloak, I'd like to wear one over me. I don't want Master Gris to have his name slandered just because I run around committing a crime." A nervous giggle but it was genuine while she may be a troublemaker, she had never actually mass murdered any one group of humans despite hating them so much. Perhaps it was guilt and conscience overtaking her vengeful mind? Or maybe she was in the middle of maturing.
"Oh... and I still want that wagon clean and in one piece." Elque glared at all three of them, the last thing she needs is cleaning the regal cart off of blood.
Hero's District, Priestella Death count: 1 Reset Count: 4
Chieko followed Donovan silently, not entirely intent on interacting with many people unless necessary. A few people were about, and while she was eager to help those less fortunate than she in the way of heroics, Chieko didn't know the first thing about healing people otherwise. She only cast a disinterested glance over to Quill, giving her a passive gaze as Donovan mentioned magic. W-was she about to learn!? She didn't think she'd learn anything at all in this trip, but maybe she had been wrong. Alistair had Water and Dark. Hmph. Subtle non hero suitable elements, hah!
And then it came her and Flame's turn. Both of them had Fire! Nothing less from her own heroic nature, and nothing less from her rival, either, haha! Yes yes, this trip was going well after all, heh! Maybe she should have gone earlier. Hm. Well, that was done and over with now. She'd need to practice with it more if she wanted to do anything like she had seen Vasilis do. After being held a candle, Chieko cradled it gently.
Right, not too much mana. She could do it.
"Goa." Immediately the candle sparked to life, a small flame lighting itself upon the wick and slowly burning. Unable to contain her excitement, Chieko grinned brightly. She wanted to try it again! Hrm, but there were no candles around and she didn't know what else she could use it for. She took a quick look around, gaze shifting about the room until she noticed Flame looking at her.
Face flushing with mild embarrassment, Chieko, quickly returned to her normal quiet self as he whispered to her.
"...I still don't see the point of coming here." Chieko replied quietly. "But I don't think Donovan is up to anything." She didn't feel that he was a bad guy, at least. If he wanted to kill them like the others had before, then all he'd have to do is already have the candles lit. There was a very obvious course of events forming in Chieko's head right about now, though she still didn't have the full story. Hopefully she wasn't wrong.
"Donovan..." Walking away from Chieko and towards the doctor, Chieko presented to him the burning candle, feeling rather proud.
Mie Yukima
Warehouse
"Unfortunately we are to pass as serving girls." Mie replied with a smile. "I myself have no problems showing off a bit, as I'm not someone with such silly self esteem issues." The fox gave Elque a light giggle. Master Gris, huh? That was a name she'd need to remember in case there were any...complications. She certainly hoped there wasn't, but she'd deal with them when the time came. "...and while I am certain the cart will not come to any harm, I'll reimburse this Lord Gris of yours for it. Or at least help you clean it a bit." And by that she meant make Mirt do it, but that was irrelevant at the moment.
"So will you help us or not, Kitten? We really should get going before we start sticking out too much."
Despite Mirts protests concerning advancement of the plan without consent or aid from Elques master, logical protests from the fox girl did indeed paint a stronger picture. If their deeds here were caught by the wrong people and brought to lite it would look poorly on the Master of their house to be among the associated, especially due to the racial distrust of Demis amongst humans. Still it would mean another hand to snoop around if they could get past the guards. A glance at their seductive forms in the revealing clothing favored by the Hostesses of the Darkened Honey establishment, the Elder Monk was certain there would be no problems. None but a true master of their emotions would fail to be ensorcelled by the bare flesh on display. The outfits consisted of a simple low-cut blouse with an immodest cut down the center to better display the feminine qualities of the wearer while the skirt was equally short to match. Truth be told it left very little to the imagination, long enough to cover the subject but short enough to keep customer interest.
Not for the first time, Mirt had to avoid glancing in their direction when they spoke. A virtuous man he may be but a man no less.
Elque had protested against the immodest clothing and it had been Mie who had ultimately convinced the other Demi that it was for the good of everyone if they approached as a number of serving women, the Chaperone, and a new contender for the arena lurking somewhere below the cheap districts housing. The location of which left much to the imagination in terms of visual impressiveness.
The group arrived on the heels of other serving girls hired on from the Darkened Honey, some of which recognized Mirt and flagged him over with a wave. With the group of nearly a dozen servers and the cart of goods they made quick progress down the uneven cobblestone streets, their destination was a plethora of wooden stalls and carts arranged in a maze of vendors loudly hawking their prices and wares to the other citizens, eyes wary for a sale or to swipe the hand from a thief. Many eyed the groups cargo with more than a passing interest.
Three men armed with shortswords on their belt met them at a cluster of homes nestled in a tight circle a stones throw from where the vendors shouted their cheap wares and met the group with the usual stern gaze. A few words passed between Mirt and the nearest Guard before two of them walked over and inspected the contents brought with them, more than once they passed a lewd leer at any number of the serving girls. Almost all of them gave a giggle and a wink, playful enough, but little else to entice further stares.
The leader of the three 'guards', if they could be called that as they stood around in leathers and dirty wool clothes, addressed the gathered crowd of familiar and unfamiliar faces alike. "Listen up. Boss is in a mood so you keep your heads down, trays moving, customers paying, and food running. Those of you hired on today as servers know the rules; No hitting the clients, no wandering from the kitchens, and nobody slacks on the clock." His gaze fell to Mirt and the only woman there not wearing a short skirt, Anyon. Whom by comparison showed almost no skin at all beyond her face and bare hands. Unaccustomed to the outlandish garb, the ringleader turned to look at Mirt, hooking his thumb in Anyons direction. "Whats her business."
"I've heard there is money to be won in feats of skill," The words 'pit fighter' were so ugly, "So I have brought my greatest disciple. Doubtful any will challenge the girl." His matter-of-fact tone only brought a grin to the other mans face, the other two behind him shared a chuckle.
"Friend, you best get a lady like her in a skirt before she gets real hurt. Bel- Er, the Bosses boys don't go easy on anyone once the contests begin. Soft little lady like that won't last 5 seconds against me, nevermind the lads." Now it was his turn to leer. Their eyes met Anyons and drifted down to her feet as a grin spread on his face, elbowing the man beside him. "Got a different kind of fight I'd put er through, right boys?"
There was an audible crunch of something heavy meeting flesh. Almost like a thunderclap, Anyons balled fist struck with a ferocity to match the rage burning in her eyes as splintered teeth and blood spilled from the wounded mans mouth as their unconscious body slumped to the stones in a heap. The other two armed men only laughed harder at the first mans misfortune, one even whistled with hands on hips. Clearly impressed.
"Apologies. She has a temper, you see."
The second man just shrugged it off, helping drag the down man off behind the houses to lay down out of sight. The rest were admitted into the house at the center of the semi-circle arrangement and led out the back door. Guides waited there who motioned for them to follow, leading the entourage 3 at a time through the streets in a confusing maze, in through other houses and up stairways, down walkways, and finally into an open cellar leading deep into the soil and stone, smoothed by years of use. Down 4 sets of stairs, past 3 great metal doors, and into the very bowels of the earth they moved.
Below Ground - The Arena floor
Elque and Mie were the second group to arrive after Mirt and Anyon had been ushered forward, torches lit the walls every couple of feet until they arrived at the end of a large tunnel exit barred by a line of desks, clerks were waiting to take down the nature of their business and assign them where they needed to go.
For Elque and Mie, it was off to the far right corner of the gargantuan open space. Kitchens and private rooms had been constructed beyond the private viewing area of the wealthy merchants who came to spectate the contests, the serving girls always close at hand. Many times alarmingly close. For those not comfortable with being pawed like a plaything it was often the scariest place to be. It did offer a great view of the area though.
Build from a massive cavern, worked stone had been fitted along every inch of the open ground. At its center was a large pit dominating a majority of the available space with raised platforms for spectators to see. The VIP was further above that, a windowed alcove overlooking the arena perfectly. Separated from the rest of the lower area by a single barred gate with 2 well armed individuals standing at attention in front. The place was already bustling with life, likely over a hundred individuals had come to spectate and gamble on the days events and hoped to earn their share of coin. Some hovered in the corners with drink in hand, offering various services to the right buyer. Few of these services were legal. Killers for hire needed a place to call home and it seemed this was it.
From atop the secluded VIP area, a lone figure was hunched over the side watching the gathering crowd.
Mirt stood apart from the crowd as they entered and ushered over Anyon, Mie, and Elque, trying to look like a regular customer asking a few simple questions to the serving girls. "Do your best and try to mingle with the crowd. When you get a chance, slip past the guards and see what this place is doing behind closed doors. I hear one shriek I'll be coming for you both quick as I can." Though it wasn't his place to be so overly familiar, Mirt put a hand on each of their shoulders. "Be safe." Releasing his grip, he made a 'shoo' motion with his hand and tried to look unassociated. Should someone figure them out it would be best if nobody knew they were connected right from the start.
The moment they entered the crowd it would begin. Pinching, leering, drunks slurring their orders from whatever served as a bar down here. Other Demi and human servers were already bustling about, giving no notice of any wandering hands beyond a quick slap to the offending digits. The kitchens in the back were waiting for them, the call of greater mystery waiting beyond.
Not familiar with making maps of any kind. Tried to keep things simple. Hopefully it helps!
Chieko had gone mad. She was swearing and ridiculing the rest of the lot. There was something about assassins? Aki had never seen those people before. They didn't seem to have all too much of any problems as of right now, she didn't comletely get any of it so she decided to keep quiet about it.
For once Chieko took the other route. Aki blindly follow the girl of course without any complains. The only thing that mattered to her was that she could spend her day with her newly made friend Chieko.
The fox girl from before definitly was bummed out that she didn't get any hrlp this time. It made Aki feel kind of bad, just as bad as she was jealously watching the fox girl lean over the counter. Aki was still surely lacking.
They arrived at the clinic where Donovan immediatly began to help the newcomers get used to their magic. Their excitement and happiness was great to watch. It was just as the people when they would watch her show. Their expressions were beautiful. Aki did step closer when Chieko would give it a go. Apparently she had fire affinity. Probably the most destructive one. Aki couldn't match against that with her support like spells.
"That is great Chieko-nee-san, you can make fires and defend yourself now! Isn't that great!.
Aki continued to watch her newly found sister as she ignited the flame onto the candle. She could really do it! Aki chuckled as well as Chieko looked like a small child seeing their new toy.
"Well done Chieko-nee-san! I'm proud of you!"
Chieko showed Donovan her candle leaving Aki on her own for a bit. Aki watched the others as they practiced. It was a bit of a shame that they didn't have wind magic. Aki could have helped with that, she didn't really know how to use her second affinity just yet but that must be available to her soon enough. Out of boredom Aki grabbed one of her playing balls out of her bag and threw it into the air before letting it hover above her hand with use of her wind magic.
It was frustrating. So very aggravating. The rage that Hiro felt. The humiliation of losing. Over. And over. And over. It smoldered inside him. This was not to say he had never lost a fight before. Of course he had. He would lose all the time when h was growing up and training. Practicing. Improving. But never like this. It seemed that no matter what angle he took on his approach it was never enough. And that meant that he wasn't strong enough. Not strong enough to win his way out. It was a truly infuriating and baffling experience to him. Even with the addition of the little bit of magic he knew, it was not enough. He felt so close though. It always felt like he was just a hair from coming out on top. Still, it had been time to change plans. He would later come back at them with a vengeance. He would be stronger. He wouldn't lose.
These thoughts were so prevalent in his head that he had even forgot to keep thinking about ways to get back home to his own world. It just. It ate him up. But now was not the time to keep thinking such things. He saw the small figure. It wasn't just the house. It wasn't the place and time. It was one of them. Him or Aerith. But why?
The only thing that he could think of was the incidents with the robbers when they had first arrived in this world. There were no other times that he had drawn attention to himself. Not to his knowledge at least. Still, now was not the time to be pondering all of this. He voiced his thoughts to Aerith briefly before stepping up beside Aer. She seemed the helpful sort in the time that he had known her, and he had heard nothing but good things from the others. He didn't want to cause too much of a commotion in a public area though. However much he wanted revenge on the hooded figures that were after him, he didn't want to endanger anyone innocent. As such, as stated before, he stepped up beside Aer.
"Heads up. I think we're being followed. Don't draw too much attention if you check."
His voice was low. So low that it was unlikely that anyone other than Aer could hear him. Now, others might take this the wrong way if they were just watching, but it was more important to let the strong people around him not get caught off guard should something happen. And hell, maybe he was overthinking it. Maybe the figure just looked similar, or maybe they were just on their way to the house that he had been ambushed at previously. Still, it didn't hurt to be careful.
Aerith felt she could only nod in agreement with Hiro's concerns, as the older Japanese man voiced them to her. Her mind far enough away from Chieko and Yuuki's ramblings,and the frustrations that had followed immediately before then, she had come to a similar conclusion. One of the two of them, at least in this instance for all she knew, was the one whose death was resetting this world back to that point in the Golden Quarter. Over and over again, they had kept dying and resetting, until the others were equally as pissed in their own ways it seemed. In hindsight, she felt a bit guilty about how she'd gone off on Chieko and Yuuki...after all, they had gone to safety and continued to be pulled back despite seemingly making good progress. That was how it had sounded as she thought back on their words, anywho.
Ah, but back to the matter at hand. 'That' person was around here again, and she knew from the small loli's form alone who it was, the way she walked and held herself...she'd seen it all to many times to not know by now with all the tries that had been made. It almost brought a chill down her spine, but...no, that person, and their cohort, needed to be dealt with eventually. Especially if they were being stalked right now. Perhaps...it was not a garuntee said person was following them. Yet Hiro's initially shaking voice was enough to convince her to keep a better eye out right now.
Subtle checks to the group's sides as if admiring the city, calming her breath, putting on a face, and avoiding extra measures that would look suspicious. Though if the group was attacked, maybe more bodies would slow the dying process just a bit. Yet as she watched Hiro move up to where Aer was, the short-haired girl felt a sense of exasperation come over her a bit at the thought this might happen a few times over depending on what came next.
Mie kept a playful pace as she walked alongside the other serving girls. She did her best to make sure Elque wasn't too uncomfortable aside from some light teasing in her usual way. Truthfully, it'd have been difficult for anyone to tell Mie wasn't a normal serving girl. Perhaps she had practice in something like this before? Or perhaps she was just in her natural element - a position to tease and playfully lead people on. It was certainly something to think about.
When they arrived in front of the three armed men, Mie did as the other serving girls, though her mind was already performing a threat assessment. Simple enough guards. Would be easily dealt with. Threat? Almost non existent. Listening to the rules intently, Mie made a mental note of them. Not like she was going to be following them, but knowledge was power as they say. The more someone knows, the more equipped someone is to deal with something.
Giving one of the guards a playful tail swish as she passed, Mie followed once Mirt and Anyon were done. Not leaving Elque's side, Mie kept her playful pace once ushered forwards. The fox made a mental note of all the twists and turns. It was easy enough. Besides, if one got lost all she had to do was head to the roofs. Still, she had to give them credit. They certainly were a cautious bunch, but that didn't mean much in the end if they were still fools.
The place was absolutely horrendously hedonistic as Mie had expected. She couldn't help but to curl her mouth, a playful, almost eager seeming smirk forming on her lips as her tail swished playfully back and forth. Such a wonderful den of degenerates. Oh how she just wanted to play with all of them. But no, 'twas not her job. Not at the moment.
"Fufu, So concerned. I'd say you're like a doting father. Don't worry so much Mirt." Mie chuckled impishly. "I can slip anywhere I want. Into places where this little fox shouldn't. Or even into your clothes. If you want, heh~" Once he had released her, Mie began walking, keeping a suggestive bounce in her step as she moved away from Mirt, pulling Elque with her.
"Don't stray too far from me Kitten, this little fox can only do so much for you." She began quietly. "But at least try to appear too suspicious or get angry at the inappropriate touching. Though some may like it, we can't afford to stand out." Moving into the crowd, it was clear Elque probably wasn't going to be a happy kitten at this rate. Someone had already tried to cop a feel. "We need to get past the guards. I doubt you have training in subterfuge and stealth." The best way to do this, was simple. These people would be so very, very easy. "So you just keep your head low and I'll make an opening for you to slip past. Once you're back there, I'll find you soon...unless you have some other idea, of course. That doesn't involve immediate dismembering." The oldest trick in the book was still around because it worked, after all.
Mie continued to move through the crowd, stealing an empty tray from the table while the serving girl was busy and carrying it as she headed to the kitchen. Had to keep up appearances a bit, after all.
"I can't believe you talked me into this." Elque was irritated, when Mie mentioned serving girls, she had thought the ones in the normal inns. The cutesy blouses and aprons only with long brown and green skirts to resemble the air of traditional public restaurants...
...instead she looks more like a prostitute than a serving girl. Her lips are squiggly, her face blushing red from the embarrassing stuff that the outfit presents itself as and the constant covering of her chest area as men leer her when they pass. She'd often try to smack their hands away with her tail whenever they try to touch places they're not supposed to.
"Maybe next time tell me the actual plan so I won't have to go through this embarrassing costume. Seriously, who wears this?!" She yelled in a hushed tone, looking at her lewd outfit as a burly man passed her to smack her bottom which caused her to yelp.
"We need to get past the guards. I doubt you have training in subterfuge and stealth." Mie spoke passing by various other serving girls. "So you just keep your head low and I'll make an opening for you to slip past. Once you're back there, I'll find you soon...unless you have some other idea, of course. That doesn't involve immediate dismembering."
"Oh, you better be or there will be a lot of dis-members all about." Elque had no other ideas in mind so the least she could do is follow this foxy lady's plan to a T and try not to get the urge to... erm... "dis-member" the masculine populace of this place. "Fine. I'll go ahead." She did as she was told, trying not to act too suspicious while at the same time acting like a complete rookie so as to not mark her for being some sort of Assassin. Even though she's supposed to act like it, the men who try to touch her will get genuine growls and hisses from her.
Alistair was rather quiet during their introduction to the clinic, instead taking in his surroundings and looking closely for any signs of potential threats. Unfortunately, with his limited knowledge of what could and could not be done with magic or the rules of this particular world, it was difficult to really figure out what could be considered a threat. Aside from the woman in the clinic and the candles that had likely caused their prior death, he did not spot anything out of the norm.
“I see.” Alistair nodded after Donovan inspected his magics. “Thank you.”
The young, arrogant man held little else but respect for the good doctor, and did not in the least seem uncomfortable with his actions. One could even say, despite the short while he’d known the man, that he was absolutely trusting of the doctor. “I’ll do my best to be of use to this clinic while I'm here.”
That said, he wasn’t particular keen on dealing with this woman with white hair. This Quill chick’s glare wasn’t going unnoticed by Alistair. In fact, the Archibald was returning an equally vicious one. He could not be certain that she was one of the individuals who was hunting them, but odds were stacked against her. And people who dared stand in his way deserved little respect, particularly if they were going to be so rude to him, it didn’t matter what her reasons were.
But he remained silent. At least while he was working on her’ wound’. He raised his hands to the puncture spot and concentrated deeply on it. With both Donovan’s and Quill’s advice in mind, it did not take long for the wound to begin repairing itself. And while it was not a great feat by any means, it was the first step towards becoming a master of the element that he was gifted. He might’ve smirked in satisfaction if it weren’t for the matter at hand.
Alistair took a step away from Donovan’s ‘assistant’ and looked her over. She didn’t look particularly threatening, at least in build, but given the small stature of one of the assassins, that may have actually been intentional. “I do understand,” he began, his features matching hers in intensity, but his tone rather casual.
“That I am a rather attractive individual. I don’t mind staring. I’m certainly used to it. But could you stop? You’re going to give someone the wrong idea, you know? You shouldn’t look at people like that unless you wish them harm.”
Quill looked Alistair up and down. “If you're ready for something more difficult, I could try inflicting a larger wound on you.”
”Be nice Quill.” Donovan sighed. ”She's had a rough time of it. Just give her a break.”
Quill did not take her eyes off of Alistair. “It's not like I was being serious. I don't know why anyone would waste their time on this man.”
The giant folded his arms. ”Am I missin' somethin' here?”
"I merely wished to avoid misunderstandings, my good doctor." Alistair shrugged. "I regret to say I do not particularly care for such nasty looks coming from someone whom I haven't met before, and being the rather active person I am, I'd much rather address the situation than pretend it does not exist."
He eyed the girl.
"Though I'd be glad to see if this water magic can heal that perpetual scowl of yours, instead."
Quill shrugged her shoulders. “He seems to have the basics under control.” She reached for a cloak that was hanging on the wall. “If you don't have any patients to deal with, I think I'll leave early.”
”The two of you...” Donovan waved his hand. ”You gonna learn to play nice together. But maybe some fresh air would be good for ya.” Donovan turned to look at Chieko's candle. ”Ahh! A fine job there, girl.” he nodded. ”I ain't got many more candles left that are safe to practice with. They're all incense designed to help patients sleep.” He chuckled. ”Ya can keep practicing with that one though. Just put it out and try again.” Aki's demonstration of air magic didn't go unnoticed by Donovan. ”Bein' able to deliver air into someone's lungs is a valuable tool. That's probably the only known cure for incense poisoning. Though I hope ya don't mind, I'd rather not practice that.” the giant chuckled.
Meanwhile, Quill was headed outside, and wasn't stopping for anyone. She was dawning her cloak before she even reached the door. She hadn't gotten outside yet, so there was still time to approach her, if one wished it.
just outside Hero's district, Priestella
The foreigners made no sudden movements, aside from Hiro letting Aer know that something was up. It was impossible for any of them to see what Aer was doing, as she was wearing a big ass hood. Though for some reason, Aer looked at the row of buildings to the group's right, directly opposite of the little stabby loli. She then raised her arm and created a large barrier moments before the sky rained weapons. Spears, hammers, and axes bounced off the barrier while the ones behind it were left relatively safe. But the barrier wasn't large enough to cover everyone, and a certain tea sipping foreigner was a little to preoccupied to move to safety.
Sorry yuuki.
DEATH COUNT : 25
It ended as soon as it started. The ground was littered with weapons, and one dead body. What few people were present in the area fled. "This wasn't a good spot to ambush us. We're not too far away from the here's district." Chiyo stepped into the middle of the street. There had to be someone else helping her, but they were out of sight. It was clear that a fight was going to start very soon, and the foreigners had to decide what they were going to do, and fast.
Flame blinked at that; so the candles that Doctor Donovan gave them were safe, but he was in possession of ones that were very clearly not. In short, it was Doctor Donovan's candles that had killed them in past time-loops, but there was an increasing probability that it was not Doctor Donovan himself who had used them. A look at Aki, then Chieko again, before Flame turned to the departing Quill, who was now the number one suspect in past attempts at murder.
He thought of intercepting her, but decided that the risk was too great for too little returns. So he would just settle for watching her and waiting for her to come back - Which she inevitably would.
Ashton Andrews
"Yuuki!" Ashton cried out, surprised once more at seeing the other boy die. He knew that there'd be another reset, that Yuuki would come back. But that didn't make the sight of the death much harder to swallow. Nevertheless, he knew this; if not for Aer's presence - and Wisp's - they would all be dead instead of only Yuuki. So turning to Hiro and Aerith, Ashton said, "We should stay close to Aer and Wisp. Also, if any of you know how to use the weapons they threw at us, perhaps you can pick some of them up?"
Looking around, he assessed the battlefield; they were in a perfectly ordinary road with rows of buildings to the left and right, all potential ambush spots. And there was a little killer at the centre of the road.
The young man turned to Wisp. "That little hooded girl is more than she seems; can you send a few warning fireballs her way?!"
The plan seemed simple enough. Borrow a tray, fill in with the others girls, and get into the kitchens located behind 2 armed guards at the private vip entrance leading to the back tunnel and what could only be assumed was amenagerie of other rooms, storage facilities, and training grounds. For the most part that was correct but Mie knew enough from her many shady dealings that anything worth putting an armed soldier at held more than its share of coins in secrets. Problem was just that. Armed soldiers.
Unlike the mismatched leather armor of the 'guards' who had escorted them here, poorly, these guards were well armed and better equipped. Neither had weapons drawn but both had the confident look of ones familiar with fighting, various scars on their faces revealed as much. Former pit fighters the two of them. Deeply familiar with the underground operation. Not to say they weren't lax on their duties, watching the servers walk by with trays and offering different kinds of looks, a mixture of concern and attraction clear as day on their faces. Not the lustful stares of drunks and dullards but genuine appreciation for beauty that was so rarely found here. Their gazes fixed on Mie and Elque, suspicion in their eyes.
The taller of the two motioned both of them forward, pointing at the pair through the crowd to stand before them.
"Two of you are new here, yeah?"
"Think I seen either of them up top in the markets." His partner was older, a large black mustache sporting gray hairs dominated his features.
"Rookie serving girls," The first one rolled his eyes but continued on. "Whats your names. Mother wants every new face through her back room before you're allowed to serve." A raised eyebrow and a glance at Elques direction.
Not familiar with making maps of any kind. Tried to keep things simple. Hopefully it helps!
