~@13org (BST)~

You and Eilidh managed to outrun the manor's guards and hide within one of the many dark alleyways of Ambran. The family's personal guard had informed the town's guard as well and a long, hard search for the two of you ensued. Fortunately, you and Eilidh were practically hiding beneath their noses and none of them found you and the manhunt died down.

As day turned to dusk, the search was all but over. There were still people on the lookout but you and Eilidh could be out in the open and not be in much danger. Once the coast was clear, you and Eilidh inconspicuously exited the town since neither of you wanted to push your lucks. Leaving without raising an alarm was quite the feat considering Eilidh was a very noticeable Centaur.

At the town's edges, Eilidh stopped on her tracks. "So Bast." She called out to you. "The bad news is... I didn't give the message." She said. "Well, it's more like I didn't manage to. I was about to give it to them when the shouting started and they basically told me to return on another time." She explained. "I'm sorry, Bast, for... ruining your plans." She ashamedly apologized.

Eilidh looked back at the town, then back to you. The setting sun giving the two of you an almost golden glow. "Bast." The Centaur started again. "I... I don't think I can return to the Guild." She revealed to you. "It's... not for me, you know? I'm... I guess I'm more of a traveling type. Not one to stay put in one place." The confession was serious and you did not dare to interrupt her.

"I..." Eilidh continued. "Do you want to come with me?" She quickly blurted out as if she forced it out of her. "I... I'll understand if you don't. I mean, I can't offer you the things Bart and his guild offers you. B-But I'll..." She could not find the words but you knew what she meant. Eilidh the Centaur really wanted you to come with her. To have you beside her. To keep adventuring with her. Perhaps more.

It would certainly break her heart should you refuse. But accepting would mean the end of your tenure in the Guild. Then again, perhaps traveling with the proud yet bashful Centaur could prove a more interesting adventure.

---

~@Restalaan (YNG & DIT), @13org (FYR), @AzureKnight (VRA & NAG)~

When all was said was done, Talia offered to cook the guild dinner with Haley tagging along since Bart had not returned yet. Neil offered to look and talk to the girl in armor hiding in the bathroom. "Hey uhh, I couldn't find that armor girl. In fact, I couldn't find her anywhere." He said, scratching the back of his head.

"That's weird. Perhaps she has left?" Talia guessed as she and Haley set up the food on the table.

"Probably." Neil was about to sit on the table along with the rest of the guild when the doors to the dining hall slammed open, revealing Bart the guild master. However, he was far from happy. There was anger in his face as his eyes darted to each of the guild members present, silently judging them for some unknown mistake. "Uhh, hey Bart." Neil nervously greeted, also noticing Bart's fuming mood.

"Did... did you really undertake a Varjan quest?" Bart coldly asked, venom in his voice.

Neil was a bit intimidated but answered honestly. "Yeah, dude. We needed the money right?"

Bart seized Neil. "Didn't I tell you not to do that?! Didn't you guys listen to me?!" The guild master yelled at the boy though his words were directed at everyone. "Are you guys deaf?! Do you all want to die?!"

Neil was momentarily shocked but retorted. "Let go of me, man!" He shook himself off of Bart. "It was more of a suggestion, by the way. You didn't exactly make it clear." Neil continued. "Besides, we needed the money. We can't have that hole in the entrance forever." He added as he recomposed himself. "Also, we're not gonna do it ALL the time. We'll lay low after a while."

That seemed to agitate Bart. "You're not the master of this guild, Neil!" He seized Neil again. "I am! I AM! NOT YOU! ME!" He yelled for everyone in the guild to hear. "I'm the guild master! That means you follow my orders and my rules! If you got a problem with that! You can take a f***ing hike and go back singing at f***ing bars!"

"Hey, hey! Let's all take it down a notch, okay?" Haley tried to get in between the feuding parties.

"Stay out of this, birdbrain!" Bart told her off and the Siren herself was taken aback from the insult.

And that agitated Neil. "You can't talk to her like that! What's wrong with you?!" He pushed off Bart.

The shouting match continued and it was up to the guild members to do something about it before it devolves into something much more nasty.

Getting back Ozzy was still a little miffed about the whole thing. The first job and well, while it did go as planned it wasn't nearly as peaceful as he had hoped. If anything the hounds and later the rumors put Ozzy at ill ease. Maybe something worse was coming to this place.

Getting back to the Guild House wasn't that big a deal and with a sack full of a days pay, Ozzy was happy to finally contribute. "Not bad for a first day. Could be better but atleast we got the dangerous bits out of our system." He got the door for Morgan and held out the sack. "Success!" He said proudly. "Money in the bank."

What happened next would be a combination of asking questions and catching up. He met Talia and introduced himself and then had a chance to gush over the dragons Vara and Nagre. With Freyr, while they didn't get the torrent of information about their particular species, Ozzy was more than happy to introduce himself and get their take on things, a social butterfly flitting from person to person. A wave to Yang as she went to train, and a happy exchange with Halley. He then would offer to help with the hole, holding up boards with a claw and then using his free hand to hammer the nails in. Didn't get too far that day but it was nice to do something constructive. Literally.

---

That night, he sat himself down among the others. He was looking forward to another night of meeting the others. "Yang, do you usually practice by yourself? I can imagine the forms yes, but you dont spare right. I ran into a dog today and to be frank, I didn't get too far with it. Thought I was a goner for a sec." Less than subtle way to ask if he could get a lesson.

Before getting into it though, there was a sudden rise in tension. Bart and Neil were going at it. Something about the jobs they decided to take on. Ozzy didn't know the whole story, knowing that yes there were a few that had something to do with them but from what Ozzy determined before, the country was in danger.

Hailey got insulted, Neil got physical, and Ozzy took a step, doing as Hailey did, harpy gotta harpy. His hand pushed on both of their shoulders and attempted to push them back from each other. "Will you both settle down!?" He just didn't want them hurting each other, or anyone else. "Morgan and I were all the way north in the swamp and we saw the Varajan there too! They're invading the country and we're a mercenary company! Getting involved is going to happen whether we want to or not!"

@PaulHaynek @Lmpkio @Restalaan @13org @ShwiggityShwah

Nagare would find her nice little chat with Freyr cut short by the sudden arrival of Guild Master Bart, who wore a fierce expression on his face. He had harshly reprimanded the guild members for undertaking quests involving Varjo, which eventually led to he and Neil having a confrontation in front of the other members.

"Master Bart, please stop this! Yes, it was dangerous for us to antagonize an enemy territory, but it's as Mr. Neil and Mr. Ozzy say! Besides, I won't feel bad for saving the lives of innocent people wrongly imprisoned! How would Ms. Maria feel if she heard you right now!?" The base in Nagare's voice rose, in contrast to it's softer, reserved pitch. "And don't insult Ms. Haley! Especially after all she's done to aid us and even going as far as to put herself in harm's way for our sake, she deserves none of it!!" Nagare shouted as she motioned toward Haley.

Vară, not having quite made it to her room, overheard the shouting downstairs. She quickly looked over the railing to witness Bart grab Neil. He pushed Bart off and an owl boy she hadn't meet had gotten between the both of them. Seeing Neil in this predicament stirred something inside of the fire demoness, it caused her to rush down and confront the guild master. Joining the owl boy Ozzy, she stood directly in front of Bart, with Neil directly behind her. Vară's eyes began to shine with intense emotion as she stare down the man who just recently employed her.

"Blue-eyed Savior, how dare you speak to the boy who saved my life in such an uncouth manner! I'm hesitant to call you that, you certainly aren't acting like the man who graciously hired me own a few weeks ago. The only reason we took those jobs was because we needed money to fix that stupid hole in the wall and all of the other jobs didn't offer enough pay for it! If you insist on taking your anger out on Neil, you'll have to go through me first!"

Outwardly, Vară displayed an immense resolve in defending Neil at that point in time. She wasn't sure why she felt so strongly about the situation and on the inside she was somewhat scared, but she refused to back down. Vară couldn't answer if she was up to confronting the guild master head on, but it seem she and everyone else were about to find out.

---

With the battle finished and her dominance assured, Titanica finally morphed back into her human form as the rebels cheered for her and her allies. As soon as they gave their condolences, they would continue their trek back to the guild hall victorious. She had to admit, that battle - despite how brief and nearly insignificant - felt good in her alternate form. If only she can challenge other creatures of her stature, or those even stronger, will she feel more alive than she ever had prior to her slumber.

---

Upon arriving back at the guild, Titanica hadn't done anything more than bask in the sun to regain some of her wasted energy. After she would sluggishly approach the dining table and devour an entire turkey whole, ending it with a loud burp as a wisp of atomic fire emanated from her maw. It was a good turkey too - full of juicy, well-cooked meat, topped in a variety of unique spices. She would then walk by Neil and Talia before Ditzy asked the three if they wanted to play tag with her. Titanica looked at the hobgoblin before scoffing.

"I do not play such childish games..." she replied coldly.

While she did play tag with her brethren all those centuries ago, she had outgrown such games just a few years before the Great Dying occurred. Perhaps it was best that she did so then - for it would be a shame if she had to correlate such memories with the immediate apocalypse. It was a thought she doesn't want to remember for longer than she likes.

But then she heard a disturbance coming from the middle of the hall. She cocked her head towards the voices as her tone became even colder. He heard two voices - one belonging to Neil and the other towards Guild-Master Bart. And from what she heard, the latter was incredibly pissed off about something.

"Are you guys deaf?! Do you all want to die?!"

This definitely caught the attention of Titanica. Even from the limited interaction she had from speaking with him, she knew something wasn't quite right. A screw seemed loose within him. She glared at the situation unfolding with mild-contempt.

"You're not the master of this guild, Neil!"

"I am! I AM! NOT YOU! ME!"

A flare of anger rippled through her veins upon hearing this haughty response. She had a vile distaste for humans ever since she first laid eyes on a task-force of knights - the so called successors and superiors over monster kind. While she later recognized that not all people are so arrogant, this was something she cannot simply ignore. Not just for herself personally, but for all of monster-kind in general. Because if there were any humans that earn her vile abhorrence towards to, Bart seems to fit this perfectly. Had he been keeping this side of him hidden from the rest of the guild?

"I'm the guild master! That means you follow my orders and my rules! If you got a problem with that! You can take a f***ing hike and go back singing at f***ing bars!"

The other members attempted to defuse the situation by telling him to stop, but it seemed that even with their help it will be rendered futile. Titanica feared that they would worsen the situation even more the more they attempted to come to Neil's aid. There was only one way that she knew how to disperse this vile toxicity. And with her enraged adrenaline surging into her spines, it was the ONLY way in her eyes to set things right.

With a deep breath, she inhaled all the air that she could before unleashing it in a thunderous roar.

"ENOUGH!"

Her bellowing call would resonate throughout the entire guild hall, demanding everyone's attention, - let alone the nearby vicinity around the guildhall. Even the birds outside were alarmed at this disturbance as they flew away from that terrifying noise. To the members involved, this roar wasn't unlike any of her previous ones. This one sounded tarnished, ugly even, one that would inherit a being of utter anger and hatred. And if they were to look to where a glowing hulk of a monster stood, they would see a different Titanica.

Titanica's body was morphed into a psuedo-second form. This wasn't her titan form, but it could neither be considered a human form either. The titan's skin had turned a more darker-grey, mixing with her caucasian skin, with scaly bumps predominantly emitting from her arms, legs, and belly. Her spines were wildly sparking in blue energy and her eyes were also engulfed in this atomic blue. With an ominous groan, her cross-bone scowl fixates over to Bart as she slowly stomps towards him, ignoring everyone else within the vicinity.

"IS THIS HOW YOU TRULY TREAT YOUR OWN SUBJECTS, GUILD-MASTER?" she booms as her voices trembles through the entire building, "DO YOU VIEW YOUR POWER EQUIVALENT TOWARDS ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY?"

Her aura began to shift wildly, as if she's on the verge of annihilating the entire guildhall with her presence alone. Perhaps it would be best for the rest of the guild mates to stand down and let her through.

"I COULD'VE LET YOUR PRECIOUS GUILD BE ROBBED IF I HAD NOT CARED AS MUCH, BUT I CHOSE TO ACT REGARDLESS FOR IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO." she continues with her slow strides, "I HAVE NOT JOINED THIS GUILD TO BECOME SUBJUGATED BY A CORRUPTED LEADER - LET ALONE BY AN ARROGANT, INSIGNIFICANT, HUMAN. I'VE JOINED ONLY TO PAY A DEBT THROUGH RESPECT - AND THAT ALONE - EXPECTING EQUAL TREATMENT WHILE I DO SO. AND I'VE EXPECTED THE SAME TREATMENT FOR ALL THOSE INVOLVED."

She was now upon him as she looked down with immense hatred steaming from her eyes. Without hesitation she reached out one of her muscular arms to grasp Bart's collar, lifting him up with that arm alone as she forced him to look into her flaming eyes.

"YOU MAY COMMAND STRUCTURAL AUTHORITY OVER YOUR GUILD." she growled whilst barring her fuming teeth, "BUT KNOW THAT YOU COMMAND SUBJECTS, WHOSE ABILITIES FAR SURPASS YOUR OWN. AND ONE, IF NOT OTHERS, WHO VIEWS YOUR KIND WITH RIGHTFUL DISDAIN. SO TREAT THESE SUBJECTS WITH RESPECT, UNLESS YOU STRIVE FOR RUIN. AND KNOW THAT I WILL NOT HESITATE TO VAPORIZE YOU AND THIS ENTIRE GUILDHALL IF YOU SPEAK UNFONDLY TO ANY OF US AGAIN."

She draws her subject closer as her venomous eyes glares into his soul.

"DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!" the titan booms as she raises her voice.

And while she resonated on behalf of the guild-citizens, little did she know of a certain figure that was peering from the guildhall entrance.

"T-Titanica?"

---

---

Morgan and her allies were able to make it up into the tree, just out of reach of the war dogs. The hounds clawed at the tree, yet fortunately they couldn't climb. They would circle only for awhile before finally giving up and leaving the area. The mercenary knight gave them the money, as well as a notice to Nephele the wyvern, before he left the area, leaving the mothwoman and the harpy alone. The latter half heartedly announced that they were finally finished, in which Morgan simply nodded.

"I suggest we head back to the guild." she replied and soon they would head back home.

---

Yet Morgan wouldn't immediately come back to the guildhall. Upon flying over a meadow, the mothwoman saw a gardener who was selling a variety of different herbs and medicinal plants. She told Ozzy to continue flying to the guild and that she'll be here for awhile before returning. And after half-an-hour of buying and looking at the different plants, she left with a simple paper bag of medicinal herbs. They would be useful in making new medicines and potions for the guild to use in times of need.

Yet as she landed some distance away from the guildhall, she heard a loud roar emit from the building. She paused for a minute as she analyzed the sound. She knew this roar. And judging from what the others had mentioned, it was clear that she was finally present in the building! Yet the roar sounded as if something bad was happening. Morgan feared the worse that could potentially transpire, as she ran towards the guild in a hurry.

As she approached the entrance, she could hear a deep, feminine voice resonate through her antennae. And when she peeked over the frame of the wrecked door, she finally saw her. After separated for thousands of years, she had finally laid witnessed to her old friend. But her form was different, something unlike anything she had seen from the titan before. Morgan was hesitant to intervene, but she was able to muster up the courage to make her presence known.

"T-Titanica?" she peeped, just loud enough for her to hear...

@AzureKnight@PaulHaynek@13org@ShwiggityShwah@Lmpkio

Yang Bethlehem

Yang wiped the sweat away as she ended her training for the day, legs, arms, and body strained. More so after a fight, even though she didn't burn a lot of stamina, it still took a part of her concentration away. She quickly went up to take a quick rinse and clear herself.

Yang just came down as Guildmaster Bart made his entrance, and that's when she noted Bart's facial expression as well as the air around him.

Oh dear. She gulped as he questioned whether they took a quest related to Varjan, and she nodded mutely at that. Yang winced when he shouted at them and without a thought, went to a kneeling position similar whenever her master lectured her or the siblings at the temple.

Throughout it all, she didn't said a word in retaliation but it seems that Bart was really pissed off this time. Going so far to even shout at Neil and Haley, that soon turned ugly as more of the guildmates added their own shouts.

That ended when Titanica added her own voice to the fray, and Yang had to physically close both eyes and ears from the sheer volume. It was loud enough to be comparable to those great bells that they rang for the coming of new year, powerful enough to go right at the bones.

That only stopped when she was done, and Yang let go of her ears with a sigh of relief despite the sharp ringing after noise in her ears.

"All that said and done, Guildmaster Bart orders was still clear," Yang added her own opinion from the kneeling position as she gestured towards Bart. "We're not to take Varjan related jobs...and yet we still did."

"Not only that, our involvement with it must surely reach the Varjan more prominent members now. Moreso considering that we've been working with the rebels as well." She slowly explained it to them, she wasn't exactly that out of touch with politics and strategies after all. "We might be placed on a higher scale now, and for all intents and purposes, they may see our guild as a front for the rebellion."

"Everyone, please understand." Yang pleaded and explained to everyone, taking soft but firm tone to the rest of them. "Guildmaster Bart is only thinking for our sakes and safety, while some of us are warriors, not all of us are."

Her eyes went to Neil and Haley briefly before she continued with her explanation. "While we may clash with Varjans unwillingly in certain mission, it is still our actions that drives us into direct conflict with them."

Taking a moment to gather herself and words to sink in everyone. She steeled herself and resolve as she turned to face Bart.

"Which is why, seeing as I was the one who took the job first. Guildmaster Bart, I take full responsibility for this, all actions and consequences are mine to bear." Yang placed a hand on herself and then lowered her head to the ground completely.

She had been given plenty of chances, and so far, she had done nothing but ill for Bart.

"Thus, you may expel me as you see fit." Yang calmly and resolutely said to him even as she tried to placate the mood around the guild hall with how tensions are.

"I only ask, that you do not lay the fault with the rest. I, and I alone, should have taken the firmer stance. Your kindness, and willingness to give a chance for all of us, was something I'll never be able to repay despite all my blunders." She also spoke to Bart in an effort to calm himself. "Therefore, may perhaps you spare that chance to others as well?"

Yang awaited Bart decision, regardless of whichever choice he makes, Yang was more than willing to accept his choice.

----

Ditzy Stoneclub

He waved at everyone that came back, doing nothing but playing with his sandbag as he tapped it a few times to feel the gold inside of it. Ditzy can't afford to lose the gold, and most of all, it definitely can't be misplaced since he always carry the sandbag with him wherever he go!

Then that's when Bart came in, and Ditzy was about to wave to him when he saw his face. That made Ditzy stayed put in place even as Bart angrily asked whether they did anything with Varjans.

Ditzy rapidly shook his head, he hadn't known what Varjans are. So he was sure he didn't do anything bad to them.

Though others however, did, and that's when Bart absolutely fling into anger. Ditzy winced at that as he put both arms behind him and stood straight up.

This continued on, and there was just so much noise, everyone seemed to joined in as more angry shouts fly, hurtful words, and temper flared. Everything was just happening so fast, his poor mind couldn't keep up, too much information-!

That ended when a thunder like words rang throughout the house, and Ditzy opened an eye as he looked at Titanica absolutely fuming.

Ditzy also saw Yang being on the ground, and saying words in a more kindly manner to his mother. That allowed him to understand it far more easier as he tilted his head sidewards.

He tried to think of a solution for awhile, and thought hard.

Ditzy slowly walked up to Bart, and gave him the gold pouch he had earned from his own mission.

"Ditzy earned this, Ditzy can also do more errands." He said slowly to Bart softly and sheepishly. Ditzy didn't liked it when is angry or fighting one another. "So please, don't be mad?"

Bast Ragoczy

"Well... That didn't go as expected." Bast said with a chuckle as the heat finally went down after a good deal of time hiding. It was unfortunate that he wouldn't be able to see how things would end but it was not like it was the first time Bast's plans had... well... taken an 'unexpected turn'.

"Please, don't blame yourself, my dear. Not everything goes exactly according to the plan." Bast said, smiling to Eilidh.

"After all, if everything always went according to the plan, things wouldn't be so interesting now, would them?" He asked, with a mischievous smirk to Eilidh.

But before Bast could say anything more or before they could go back to the guild, Eilidh seemed that she had something important to tell him. With gentle, golden glow of the sunset light bathing her, Eilidh turned to Bast, saying that she wouldn't be able to go back to the guild. Despite his surprise, Bast understood her words. She was a free spirit, being in one place for too long wasn't exactly her style. Coincidentally, Bast himself was somewhat similar. But the biggest surprise was yet to come. Hesitating for a bit, Eilidh finally said, with her eyes fixed on his, that she wanted him to go with her. Bast could see that saying all that so suddenly was being hard for Eilidh, especially when she said that she would understand if he rejected her offer, as she herself couldn't offer them everything that Bartholomew was offering them.

Much to Eilidh's surprise though, after a brief moment, Bast let out a heartily laughter, before he gently took Eilidh's hands on his, looking to her with a warm and kind smile.

"My dear Eilidh, how can you expect me to reject you when you look at me like that?" he said, laughing.

"I understand you. I am as much of a free spirit as you are, my dear. But if you really want me by your side, I do think you need to know a few things about myself first." Bast said, looking at Eilidh with a serious expression.

"Marquis de Montferrat, Comte Bellamarre, Chevalier Schoening, Count Weldon, Comte Soltikoff, Graf Tzarogy... Those were only a few of the names I've had through my life. I've been many different people. From counts, marquis and other noble positions to strategists and sometimes... just a regular adventurer..." he said, winking to her with a mischievous smirk.

"I've travelled many places in search not only of knowledge, both regarding magic, the unknown, the 'taboo' and the occult, but science, art and literature as well. I've been with kings, scholars, sages and adventurers... Yet, I still feel like a small child seeing how many things I still have to experience and know. About the world itself, about the magic behind it and even about the different races and the people that live on it." he said, looking to Eilidh.

"I've did many things through my long life, Eilidh. Not all of them were pretty. I am a powerful mage. I've studied things that are considered forbidden and even 'taboo'. I saw things that should completely stripped me of my sanity and destroyed my mind. Even today, I still don't know how I've managed to keep my sanity. The key point is: Not everyone saw this warm and kind smile I always show to you. After one has seen and experienced so many things as I did, we start... changing. What we see as 'right' and 'wrong' and even our morals." He continued, his expression becoming a tad bit darker as he said such things. It was clear was Bast was trying to say. His hands were more stained with blood than Eilidh imagined and his code of morals wasn't exactly... normal.

"For a long time, I've lived as a ghost. Nobody knew as much about me as you do, Eilidh... And there is still so many other things you should know about me..." he continued, looking to Eilidh's eyes with a kind expression.

"But for you, my dear, I would gladly show you everything. All my secrets, all my 'lives', everything I am and ever was. You need but to ask." Bast said, gently caressing Eilidh's hair as he said those words.

Giving a step back, he pulled a strange tarot card from inside of his coat, showing it to Eilidh. That card, even to the untrained eye of those who weren't familiar with magic had a strong magic power. On said card, Eilidh could read the words: 'The Magician' written underneath a stylized drawing of a mage.

As Bast let go of the card, it started to float in front of them. From the card, powerful waves of magic started to emanate, creating a wave effect on the air around it, almost as if it's magic was creating ripples on the reality itself. After a few seconds, a portal, dark as the night sky sprinkled with bright stars appeared in front of the two.

"Regarding you being worried about not being able to offer me what Bartholomew does..." Bast said, as he extended the tip of his cane, touching the black portal in front of them, making the image of a small castle appear in the other end.

"I didn't join for the money..." he said, laughing.

"Oh, please don't mind the mess... I don't exactly 'live' there. It's more of a... warehouse for my stuff and a place for me to hide from time to time." he said, with an awkward smile. Just as he said though, looking a bit better at it, the castle was in the middle of nowhere. There was no city, road or anything at all nearby that castle. It was just a solitary small castle on top of a hill.

"Come with me, Eilidh." he said, extending his hand to her.

"If after knowing me, seeing everything I really am, you still want me by your side, I can promise I'll never abandon you." he finished, with a serious expression to Eilidh.

"It doesn't matter how many names I used, how many different people I was and how many lives I lived. For you, I will always be your Bast, Eilidh." He said, his serious expression turning into a really kind and warm smile.

It was indeed too much to take in and process in such a short time and it probably was quite a shocking surprise for Eilidh to know that she knew almost nothing regarding Bast. But despite the shocking news and any doubts she might have regarding who Bast truly was, Eilidh would certainly know if she looked on his eyes that, despite all that Bast said, the things that he shown her, the smile he always gave her and his feelings for her were definitely real.

@PaulHaynek

---

---

Freyr

With Talia and Haley going to cook the dinner as the others rested after a long day, everything was going fine, until Bartholomew showed up that is. Freyr couldn't say he knew Bartholomew that well, but he wasn't prepared for Bartholomew's words. Freyr would never had expected he would react like he was about to. Instead of a welcome and being worried by them taking a dangerous quest in order to get more money for the guild, Bartholomew's voice was full of venom when he showed himself, asking if they really undertook a Varjan quest.

Bartholomew's screams echoed through the guild hall, the venom on his voice was apparent as he shouted not only to Neil, but to the others as well. Before that day, Freyr always thought that Bartholomew was different from the other humans he met, but what he was hearing on Bartholomew's voice was something very familiar to him... Something he had seen before... Arrogance, rage and a destructive behavior... Despite his attempts to hide it, he was exactly like the other humans were.

As the shouting continued, Freyr's expression went from surprised to serious and disappointed, ending with a heavy sigh when he finally said that he was the master and who didn't liked it could as well go away. All the hate in his voice was directed not only to Neil, but to all the others, going as far as to insult Haley in particular when she tried to calm him down. As the hostility between Bartholomew and the others kept rising as they rushed to defend Haley and each other, Freyr only grew even more disappointed.

At that moment, he couldn't help but to think that the other Viera were indeed correct regarding everything they said about the others who lived outside the big Vieran Woods. He never should have left it...

As the other members of the guild continued to argue, some saying that they did indeed break a rule that Bartholomew had said and others saying that they put themselves in danger for the good of the guild, while others shouted even louder, letting their own rage overflow, Freyr simply kept quiet.

Amongst the chaos, with most of the guild members distracted by what was happening, Freyr simply turned his back and headed towards the exit with silent steps and with a disappointed, almost sad expression on his face. With all that chaos, it was very unlikely that anyone would notice Freyr, especially given how silent and quiet he always was. Those who did though, would certainly know that he wasn't going outside to simply take a breather. If nobody tried to hold him back, it was certain that they would never see him again given the expression he had on his face.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan @AzureKnight @Lmpkio

~@13org (BST)~

Eilidh was utterly awestruck as you revealed your true self to her. She said nothing, completely attentive, as you talked about your many names, your search of knowledge, your many discoveries, everything. Once all was said and done, and the two of you were in your personal castle located in another dimension, it was Eilidh's turn to talk.

"It doesn't matter how many names I used, how many different people I was and how many lives I lived. For you, I will always be your Bast, Eilidh."

The Centaur smiled, one that almost shone with sincerity. She approached closer to you and replied in almost a whisper. "And I will always be your Eilidh, Bast." Eilidh then closed her eyes and leaned her face forward to yours. Your lips then felt something soft.

So ends Bast's days on the Guild but it was not the end of his story. In fact, it was the beginning of another chapter. One that he would share with a certain Centaur.

"Sooo... Do you have a favorite name among all of those?"

---

~@Restalaan (YNG & DIT), @AzureKnight (VRA & NAG), @Lmpkio (TCA & MOR), @ShwiggityShwah~

Bart was enraged when three of the guild members took Neil's side. However, when Titanica boomed and gave him the scolding of a lifetime, he relented. More from intimdation rather than realization. After being released from the monstrous grip, it came to a surprise when Yang appeared to take his side, explaining Bart's position. However, she then attempted to take the blame for the matter.

"Which is why, seeing as I was the one who took the job first. Guildmaster Bart, I take full responsibility for this, all actions and consequences are mine to bear. Thus, you may expel me as you see fit. I only ask, that you do not lay the fault with the rest. I, and I alone, should have taken the firmer stance. Your kindness, and willingness to give a chance for all of us, was something I'll never be able to repay despite all my blunders. Therefore, may perhaps you spare that chance to others as well?"

Bart's anger had waned somewhat but the monk had reignited it. "You think I'm real stupid, don't you Yang?" He snarled at her. "You don't think I see what you're trying to do? Trying to take one for the team? You're not really on my side, you're on theirs." He told her, assuming Yang's true thoughts on the matter. "F*** off." He intentionally bumped Yang as he stormed off to the second floor.

"Ditzy earned this, Ditzy can also do more errands. So please, don't be mad?"

The guild master scoffed as he continued to walk away, ignoring the pouch that had been offered to him.

------

"Well, that was a thing..." Neil sighed.

Talia was next to speak, still unnerved though from Titanica's voice. "Sir Bart really does not like the risk of being detected by Varjo, does he? I understand that Varjo is an unhinged nation with equally unhinged leaders but I doubt they are reckless and stupid. Well, completely reckless and stupid." Talia corrected herself. "What I mean to say is, as a small organization with little in the way of... anything, I don't think Varjo would spend effort on us. Especially since we have mighty monsters among us."

"I-I agree. Even if they try to deal with us, with people like T-Titanica, Vară, Nagare and... well, practically everyone except me, we-we'll be more trouble than we're worth." Neil added in. "In short, I don't think Varjo will go after us. You know, so long as we don't actually besiege them or kill anyone important or become a really bad nuisance."

"T-Titanica?"

In additon to Titanica, Neil also noticed. "Oh, hi Morgan." He smiled sheepishly. "Well, here's Titanica like I said." He used his hands to gesture at the kaiju as if he was showing her off. An attempt at comic relief to bring tensions down.

"As for the screaming, well, can you guys tell her? I'm spent..."

~@13org (FYR)~

As you walked away from the guild, both literally and metaphorically, a voice stopped you. "Freyr? Where are you going?"

Haley flew over to you, unaware of your intentions. "Getting a breath of fresh air? I don't blame ya. Back there? Whooo." She stretched her indigo-feathered wings out a bit. "Someone's a little cranky, don't you think? Hahaha!" She laughed. You felt that this was the Siren trying to shake off the confrontation off her skin. "I didn't peg him like that at first but I guess we shouldn't judge books by their cover."

"But... I don't regret it." Haley continued. A new topic, a somber smile on her face. "We saved those people from a terrible fate. They cheered for us, it felt like we were making a difference." She faced you. "Bart may have a point but I didn't care."

---

---

~@BKburke, @Stern Algorithm~

Vivian, Sylvia and John, coincidentally, arrived at the same time at the location where Bart had told you to go. In the crisp and cool hours of the morning, they came to see a structure of stone and steel and iron. It was a design reminiscent of Dwarven architecture that they have likely not seen but only read. However, in the front, what was supposed to be the entrance into the building was a noticeable hole that was clearly not intended to be there.

Also in front of the structure were two figures. One was a teenaged boy in the attire and gear of a typical adventurer while the other was a woman who a pair of wings. She had black scales covering some of her body and her limbs were clearly reptilian in appearance. She was a Dragon. She also wore clothing composed of black and white colors. The two talked for a bit before the Dragon spread her wings and flew to the sky and into the distance.

"Oh, hello there." The boy greeted the newcomers. He appeared to be sad and was only forcing out a smile. "Welcome to the Guild. We accomplish requests of any kind... with exceptions... and-and, and be compensated for it." He was finding his words as he spoke. "How can we help you? Have you come to post a request?"

It was at some point that Ozzy got out between the two of them as others rose to the challenge set by Yang, Nagare, and then this large imposing woman, a lizard woman, one that Ozzy never got the chance to talk with, as well as the fire demon. Things were sort of getting tense, slightly getting defused, and then... and then.

The woman's scowls, roars, her anger and fury made the room itself seem to quake. Ozzy had to step back as the others, stronger ones got their words in but it was the roar, that roar that made the harpy's mind go slightly blank, reaching within his own psyche in order to start looking up things he might have read in his study of monster girl species. Of course you'd read the legends, of course you'd read about dragons and greater demons, of course you'd read about anything that was bigger, more dangerous, worse than all of them. Things that shouldn't exist anymore.

Kaiju, the legendary beasts. Spines that glowed like coral in sunlight and great burning power coming off their form.

The breath caught in his throat, he was awestruck, his mind racing with what is but shouldn't be. There was nothing, no way it could be here. Not something that was dead for so long. The rest of the scene seemed to fade away as Titanica just made things even more threatening. Ozzy was stunned, lost in his own world of raptuous terror.

Indeed, the scene came and went and Ozzy didn't move, didn't speak as Bart and Neil went their seperate ways, Morgan came, it all seemed so secondary as- "She's- Sh- sh- sh- she's-" He finally stuttered some moments afterward. Ozzy feel to his knees, his hands twitching and eyes wide, just so out of it. "N-n-nononono. That can't be right. The Kaiju, they're extinct. Thousands of years, thousands..." He muttered to himself before finally falling backward, fainting, his lips quivering the words repeating, "How- how Kaiju? Can't be? How- here?"

The Past alive! Here and now! Among mortals! It was the discovery of a life time! How is everyone else able to even fathom!?

@PaulHaynek @Stern Algorithm

The journey was not as rough or complicated as John had initially believed it would be when he left the comfort of his home. The journey however, was rather lonely as during the travel, he found himself with no one to make conversation with and he was not a talented man when it came to that. The morning dew gave way to a beautiful reflection of light from the grass that shaped the path that John had traveled on. In the distance, he spotted what seemed to be very odd creatures that he did not recognize. He glanced to see Vivian and Sylvia. Their appearance was striking but not in a way that made John comfortable. Thiugh nothing was to disturb him quite the same way as the dragon he saw in the distance. Before he reached them, he set his equipment down and did one final check. He had done this many times through his travel but he believed it never hurt to do it again. He ensured the tools on his belt and in his kit were safely secure before proceeding toward the location which was agreed to meet upon.

As he approached the structure, he immediately identified its style. Someone with his experience could tell it was of Dwarven make. He admired it for but a moment. In truth, he would have liked to take his time studying it but had more important tasks at hand. It became evident that the boy and dragon were conversing with one another but John was not a lip reader and thus could not determine what had been said between them. He approached the boy just after the dragon woman had left. He listened to the boy talk, his poker face making it difficult to discern what his reaction would be.

"Actually, I was invited to this guild by a man who went by the name of Bart. My name is John Clarke. I was hoping to find the guild though I feel I may be lost." It took a moment for John to notice the boys facial expressions. "I apologize for my rudeness. Did that woman from before say something harmful to you? If you do not wish to talk about then I understand but I would hate to leave you sulking when I could perhaps help to better your mood."

---

Bart had remained silent regarding Titanica's speech. He perhaps didn't speak out of sheer terror, but she believed that he considered himself higher than all others within the guild. Yet the more he remained silent, the more impatient she became. The titanic woman was about to shake the guts out of him if it weren't for Yang interjecting and taking the blame, as well as Ditzy giving him a small pouch of gold. Titanica was rather confused as to why they attempt to appease this helpless mortal. However, having no choice but to respect her acquaintances' wishes, the titan finally released Bart as she reverted back to her proper human form. Yet she didn't stop glaring down on him. She badly wanted to exterminate this wretch with her mighty atomic breath, but conceded for the meantime.

Yet even her mighty image and status wasn't enough to change the guildmaster's mind, as he scoffed and walked off.

"Pathetic little mortal..." Titanica growled as steam fumed from her nostrils, "I would've vaporized him if no one was around."

Talia then explained how Bart reacted this way due to the fact that he didn't want to be detected by Varjo, however adding that despite the nation being notoriously on-edge, they wouldn't be completely reckless to go after a guild. Neil agreed with this statement, chiming in how since they have such powerful beasts like Titanica, the demoness Vară, and the ice dragon Nagare. Still, the titan believed that the guild master shouldn't have acted so hostile against his own members. And if this indeed kept up, then she will leave without saying a thing.

Let alone fixing the door she held herself morally responsible for.

But then, Titanica heard a familiar chime come from the entranceway.

"T-Titanica?"



The grim woman paused. That voice? Was it who she believed it was? Her eyes lightened and her tension loosened slightly before she turned around to face an old comrade. There Morgan stood, not looking a day over several thousand years - and her standing before Titanica, her familiar scowl having never quite left her. The two titans focused upon one another, silently inspecting each other after what seemed to be an eternity of separation. Neil attempted to introduce the girl to the titan herself, but both didn't need any introductions.

"Morgan." the large titan said with only a bare hint of curiousness, "I thought you and your clan were dead."

"I-I could ask the same for you Titanica," the tiny girl responded hesitantly, "I thought the Great Dying had claimed you..."

"I am very much alive..." the saurian woman replied back with a scoff, "I do not know how, but fate wanted me to remain. I am - as far as I know - the only survivor of my kind..."

"I believe I'm one of the last myself..." Morgan nodded sadly in sympathy, her antennae drooping downwards, "I do not know where the others are... or if they are even still alive. It's been over a thousand years since I've last spoken to them..."

The two remained silent for awhile afterwards, both lamenting over the catastrophic events that had transpired over their people. It was a painful reminiscence for the two of them - all the suffering and guilt that they had to endure had rushed back into their ancient frames. And now, to see each other in the flesh after so long, it was as if they were dreaming about this very moment.

But they weren't the only ones to be dazed by this encounter. It appeared that Ozzy had his own existential crisis regarding the existence of these kaiju. No more were they mere myths and legends. Whilst only barely as individuals, they were indeed alive and well. The harpy fainted at such a sight, muttering in his own breath about the implications. Both would hear, but not react.

And then... the tension in the air climaxed.



Morgan's eyes began to water as she rushed towards Titanica and embraced her with open arms.

"TITANICA-SAAAAAAAAAAN!" Morgan cried as she suddenly broke down, releasing her emotions upon hitting her stomach.

Despite how small Morgan was, Titanica still found herself pushed back by the initial collision. She issued a groan of surprise before stepping back, but still standing tall. There she remained awkwardly motionless for a minute, almost not sure at what to do at this moment. But even the titan of grump too - while not showing it as outwardly - had missed her immensely. She issued a faint smile before slowly embracing her in her powerful arms.

It had been a long time coming for the two of them.

@PaulHaynek @BKburke



A large clay pot mounted on a wooden platform with four wheels slowly rolled toward the Guild. Within this pot was a plant, a liliraune to be exact, the vegetable body of Vivian and Sylvia, alraune twins, born of the same flower. Their vines sluggishly dragged against the ground, pushing the wheeled pot towards their destination. Normally, their light green skin was smooth, shiny, and supple, their vines, leaves, and petals, succulent, firm, and radiant. But Vivian and Sylvia had been traveling for a very long time, with few opportunities for self-care and maintenance. As it was, both were quite shriveled, disheveled, and gaunt, their vines and leaves flaccid and drooping. The twins were currently not on speaking terms, having argued incessantly about directions during their arduous journey, and getting turned around more than once. However, the sight of the building in the distance revitalized the pair, and their vines moved more frantically to pull themselves onward. Seeing a dragon and a few humans made them both hope that they had finally arrived at the guild. Hearing the boy introduce the place only confirmed it.

"This is the Guild?!" Vivian asked the boy, excitedly.

"You were asked to come by Bart as well?!" Sylvia asked John.

"YAY! We're finally here!" The sisters rejoiced in unison, embracing and sobbing in a somewhat comical fashion.

"Let's get inside! I'm soo thirsty!" Vivian declared, pushing past the boy and into the guild hall.

"Ah! Sorry, my sister's in a bit of a hurry, it was a pleasure to meet both of you, umm, umm, we were asked to join the guild, I look forward to working with both of you!" Sylvia said quickly to both John and the boy as the liliraune made its way through the doors.

~@Lmpkio (TCA & MOR), @ShwiggityShwah~

"N-n-nononono. That can't be right. The Kaiju, they're extinct. Thousands of years, thousands... How- how Kaiju? Can't be? How- here?"

"Kaiju, huh? They exist here?" Neil was more curious than surprised at the revelation. "Know anything about them, Ozzy?" He asked nonchalantly.

"TITANICA-SAAAAAAAAAAN!"

Neil could not help but warmly smile at the sight. "So, you two know each other?" He asked both Morgan and Titanica. "How long do you two go back? Years? Decades? Scores? Centuries? Millennia?" He asked in a joking tone.

"I guess it's nice to know you're not alone, right?" He added, a hint of envy in his voice.

---

---

~@BKburke, @Stern Algorithm~

"Actually, I was invited to this guild by a man who went by the name of Bart. My name is John Clarke. I was hoping to find the guild though I feel I may be lost. I apologize for my rudeness. Did that woman from before say something harmful to you? If you do not wish to talk about then I understand but I would hate to leave you sulking when I could perhaps help to better your mood."

"No, no. It's alright... It's alright." The boy declined John's offer. "She didn't say anything bad. Well, she did... but-but it was not something... something directly harmful to me." He sniffed.

"So, you're one of--" The boy was cut off when the Liliraune pair spoke up next.

"Let's get inside! I'm soo thirsty!"

"Ah! Sorry, my sister's in a bit of a hurry, it was a pleasure to meet both of you, umm, umm, we were asked to join the guild, I look forward to working with both of you!"

"Oh, ahhh..." The boy was taken by surprise when the Liliraune pushed past him and into the guild building. "Hey uhh, John. Can we-- Can we continue this inside?" He motioned John to follow him inside.

------

The boy had grabbed a wooden pail of water and dumped it into the Liliraune's clay pot as per their request for water. After doing that, the boy cleared his throat. "So uhh, let me start again. Welcome to the Guild, you-you three. And yes, that's-that's the actual name, 'The Guild'. We're just 'The Guild'." He said. "My name is Neil. I'm... well, no one basically. Just your average human."

"A-Anyway, you were invited by Bart? He sure invited a lot of people..." Neil remarked. "Anyway, you uhh... uhh... sort of... came at a bad time." He scratched the back of his head. "You see, there's been uhh, a schi... a... uhh... a problem last night that got everybody riled up. It was uhh, it was about Bart himself... mostly."

"But! We're-we're still operational so... we need to complete some requests so we can repair that hole over there." Neil motioned at the hole in the Guild's entrance. "But before that, why not introduce yourselves first? You know, besides the names, tell about your skills and hobbies and stuff."

"Oh and we have other members here. They're uhh, they're still asleep, I think. Bart himself has gone out to search for a crew who would repair the hole."

@13org@PaulHaynek@Lmpkio@ShwiggityShwah@AzureKnight

Yang Bethlehem

Yang held her tongue in place even as Bart dismissed her words, and didn't resist at all as she was bumped and allow herself to fall flat to the ground without much resistance.

Sighing, she laid there for a bit until Guildmaster Bart is gone. She was simply doing the norm according to the White Tiger temple teaching, if an order is given clear to the subordinates then it was the commander at fault for not listening.

She curled up and then flipped herself upwards gracefully in one motion, cracking her neck and thought about what to do next. She'll wait until it's clear that he wanted her gone.

"Thanks for the help." Yang idly said as she rubbed the head of Ditzy, who wanted to help out in his own way. She can't fault the young boy for trying at least.

Seeing the reunion between Titanica and Morgan made Yang scratched the back of her head, she certainly didn't knew Morgan was from Zipangu. Ozzy term only added more confusion to her.

"You alright?" She tapped the back of Ozzy who seemed to be in a near aneurysm state and rested an arm over his shoulder, giving him a feel of her. "Aren't Kaijus a myth anyway? They don't look like them at all, maybe descendants?"

Come to think of it, wasn't there that old and dusty drawing of a supposedly Kaiju? Taking a gander at Titanica, Yang's eyes studied her carefully before giving up and shrugging her shoulders.

It wasn't her concern or place to question how they're here after all.

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy kept smiling even as Bart moved away and didn't take the money, he lowered his shoulders from that.

Oh well, I'll give it to him later! That brightened his mood as he turned around and saw Freyr alongside Haley. Without much thought, he quickly move towards his side.

"Frey!" He greeted him with a smile even as he waved his hand enthusiastically. "You're back, was your job fun like last time? Mine was mostly about helping Ambran become number one!"

"Oh, you going somewhere?" Ditzy asked as he noted the direction he was moving, walking backwards as he faced him. "Can I follow?"

That's when Ditzy got his foot tangled with one another and he fell flat on his back with a loud thump. The sandbag not helping as it added weight to his sudden descent.

"Ouchies." Ditzy grimaced a bit as he slowly get back up to them.

(editted)

Freyr

Freyr didn't seem to be the only one that was disappointed with Bartholomew's attitude. Even though he was already a room away, he could still hear Titanica's angry voice as Bartholomew walked away, clearly stating she should have killed him. Freyr couldn't really blame Titanica for those harsh words, in fact, he did understand why she was like that... Freyr himself was incredibly disappointed with him, but not to the point of saying such words.

But a familiar voice called him from behind, interrupting his thoughts. As he turned around he was surprised to see that the owner was no one else than Haley, the siren, asking where he was going. Even though she had been treated so badly by Bart, she still kept a smile on her face as she tried to make a joke out of the situation, clearly trying to forget about all that while at the same time, completely oblivious of Freyr's true intentions.

"I... misjudged him. I might have misjudged humans as a whole race..." Freyr said with a long sigh after she finished talking. She had a point, he indeed felt like he did the right thing by saving those people, especially already knowing how cruel and ruthless the Varjans really were, but nothing justified how Bartholomew acted. He didn't care about what was the right thing to do. He didn't care about the prisoners. He only cared about his safety and his own objectives... After all... He never asked if everyone was safe after they returned.

"Selfish... Greedy... Self destructive... They lack respect for their own... The don't value anything but their own desires. Not even life." Freyr said, after a long sigh.

"Maybe the elders were right... A Viera belong to the woods." Freyr finished, looking down.

A few steps away from him, just as he finished speaking, Titanica seemed to being having a reunion with an old friend. After a few words, they hugged each other, happy to see one another. He happened to hear a bit about their conversation, about how they were Kaijus, a race that was supposed to be extinct a long time ago. Unlike others who were really surprised by that, Freyr wasn't that much affected. After all, the Vieran Woods were filled to the brim with ancient magic, ruins and powers. The Viera were a really old race, but their knowledge far outdated their own race's age as a whole due to their unique link to the nature.

"I wonder if the woods will welcome back with open arms again." Freyr mentioned after seeing that scene, with a distant stare.

But before Haley could reply, a second voice called his name. It was Ditzy, who came walking towards Freyr with a smile on his face, waving his hands as he asked how Freyr's job was. Noticing the way Freyr was heading, he asked with a curious expression where he was heading and if he could follow.

Ditzy was a good boy. He was innocent and pure, he truly didn't have an ounce of malice on him and always saw the good side of everything, ignoring the bad. Maybe that was for the best... His heart would surely shatter if he knew how cruel humans could be.

"It was... gratifying. At least for me." Freyr replied with a distant smile, gently patting Ditzy's head. When he asked where he was going though, his smile disappeared.

"I... You should go rest, Ditzy. It was probably a really long day for you too, just as it was for me, wasn't it?" Freyr said, with a smile.

If Ditzy heard what Freyr was talking to Haley, he probably could figure out what was happening.

@PaulHaynek @Restalaan @AzureKnight @Lmpkio

@Stern Algorithm@PaulHaynek

The look on John's face when Sylvia and Vivian approached did not hold any kind of disgust but it was pretty easy to see John was slightly uncomfortable. He had never encountered such a monster before. In truth, they were the first he had seen up close. John watched as the moved into the building before he could even answer Sylvia's question. He turned to Neil with a confused facial expression. When Neil asked if they could continue to talk inside, John agreed and followed Neil inside.

John waited for Neil to explain things for a minute and to tell why there was a big hole at the entrance to the guild. John waited for the silence to introduce himself. He glanced at Vivian and Sylvia to see if they would speak first before turning back to Neil. "Well...my name is John Clarke. As far as skills go, I may be the man you need to fix that hole. I did construction and engineering in my home town. If you can tell Bart to just get materials, I could do it." John thought for a moment. "Actually, I don't think I brought the tools for it. I could head into the closest town and buy the tools and materials. Consider the tools payed for but I'll bart the bill on the materials. Anyway, aside from construction, I've been a blacksmith for awhile. I'm also a decent tailor so making clothes, armor, and weapons for the group wont be difficult if the need it. I'm decent with a weapon too."

John hoped his skillset was needed thiugh he wasnt exactly sure it was what they were looking for. "Oh, I also can enchant items while I make them. My clothes are enchanted against wear and tear. I can do more than that but I thought I'd give an example." That was about all John could say about his skills. He wasnt much of a fighter but he could if needed. "Actually, do you have a cart or wagon? If I go into town to get materials to fix the hole, I'll need one. It may cost extra to borrow a cart."

"Kaiju, huh? They exist here?" Neil was more curious than surprised at the revelation. "Know anything about them, Ozzy?" He asked nonchalantly.

"You alright?" She tapped the back of Ozzy who seemed to be in a near aneurysm state and rested an arm over his shoulder, giving him a feel of her. "Aren't Kaijus a myth anyway? They don't look like them at all, maybe descendants?"

The thirst for knowledge rocked Ozzy back to reality, though the existential crisis did leave him with a tiny bit of a nose bleed as he had tried and failed to consider the new impossibility and how they could have existed after all this time, save that ancient monsters were more akin to demons with ludicrous amounts of mana giving them prolonged lives. That was the only thing he could come up with and he just belted it out all at once, staring at Morgan and Titanica while speaking to those interested.

"The Kaiju were ancient monsters, historians claiming the most ancient. They were even worshipped as gods by the earliest human cultures. It was vastly studied that all modern monsters are the result of the sorcerous weavings conducted by the Demon King. Before that, the landscape was littered with monsters in their beastial forms. All evolving to survive a harsh landscape. If the hypothesis about the Kaiju are correct, they were a group of species just considered the tops of the food chain. It's totally possible that due to their strength, they might be among the first organisms to utilize mana. Demons live abnormally long lives, so maybe mana does the same for them. Adding to prolonged life, gargantuan size, and fabled abilities that seem more magical than anything biological. If thats the case, then they must have been transformed by the Demon King just like everyone else, allowing a monster girl form. I mean, I dont really know. I'm honestly just spit balling here. But - how else could they be, here, standing like right over there? Hugging!... so happy to be-" He smiled a little too. it was indeed sweet for all to see. He felt his heart simply melt at seeing friends, maybe even family come together.

"Morgan and Titanica." It dawned on him that he was talking to Morgan like she was a mothman and he suddenly felt quite foolish in how he treated her on their mission. He started rubbing his head and hair, his face bowing low to be hidden and completely flushed with embarrassment. "That means- Argh! I made a complete idiot out of myself!" obviously an immortal creature would know way way more than he ever could and wouldn't give two shakes for the opinions of a lowly little harpy.

@PaulHaynek @Lmpkio @13org @Restalaan @ShwiggityShwah

Barely able to keep herself from wetting her dress, Vară shivered with trepidation at the thunderous exclamation of Titanica. Despite the fact her threat was aimed at Guild Master Bart, the fire demoness still felt her life was in danger. Knowing full well the woman could vaporize the vicinity, she imagined that she would be unlucky enough to be caught in the crossfire.

This woman She thought, she's not just some powerful monster. She like a walking calamity, that name suits her a whole lot more...

Bart tried to brush off the scolding he got from his guildsmen, but he was noticeably intimidated by Titanica's outburst. He bumped Yang before leaving off.

Talia and Nail mentioned that it'd be unlikely for Varjo to actively seek them out, since their just a nameless small guild and they have some strong monsters on their side. Vară was somewhat glad that Neil thought of her as strong, sometimes she herself didn't feel that way.

A person who appeared to be a moth girl appeared at the guild a little bit afterwards. She seemed shocked to see Titanica here as well, even more evident after she embraced the walking calamity in a tearful embrace.

She actually has friends!? She thought to herself. The owl boy named Ozzy, as she just learned, explained to Neil that the moth girl Morgan and Titanica are actually an ancient race of monsters long thought to have died out a long time ago. The empathy she began to feel for the two slightly lessened the fear Vară felt for the woman. At that moment, the demoness remembered something important.

"Excuse me, average boy.", That was the nickname she seemed to have given Neil, "I never actually got the chance to thank you. You know, for saving me and all. I probably would've gotten out of the way in time and promptly dispatch that simpleton, but you have my gratitude regardless." Vară did her best to hide the fact that she was blushly.

Nagare also overheard the conversation, being even more interested in Titanica and now Morgan. She felt that Titanica perhaps could be less livid, but nonetheless Nagare knows what it's like to be alone. Although, the difference being that Nagare's loneliness was self-inflicted.

The ice dragon then noticed that Freyr had left for the outside during the commotion. Deciding to Follow him, she made her way out the door. She saw that Freyr was speaking with Ditzy and Haley. Ditzy and Haley seemed to be in high spirits, at least for the most part. Freyr, however, she could sense a feeling of dismay coming from him.

"Mr. Freyr, is everything ok. I only just noticed that you left the guild hall during all that arguing. I..I wasn't expecting the guild master to act so harshly over our mission. But I feel that he must have his reasons for acting that way, so I'll try not to put it against him. Ms. Haley I hope you're not too upset either, I know he insulted you during all that."

Nagare then turned to Ditzy with a warm smile. "Why hello Ditzy, it's nice to see you again. Did you have fun on your quest, we completed our most recent one successfully." The ice dragon then pondered for a moment. You know, the four of us standing her reminds me of the job we did together. You know, the one involving Lord Saburo. I'd be nice if we could keep going on more quests just like that."

~@Restalaan (YNG), @AzureKnight (VRA), @Lmpkio (TCA & MOR), @ShwiggityShwah~

"Excuse me, average boy. I never actually got the chance to thank you. You know, for saving me and all. I probably would've gotten out of the way in time and promptly dispatch that simpleton, but you have my gratitude regardless."

Neil smiled, not minding the nickname given. "Hey, it's no biggie. You saved me back, right?"

"I have to admit though, that was my first fight ever. In my entire life." Neil revealed. "Not that I'm a stranger to fighting, I saw much... but from a distance. To be part of the real thing? It's surreal." The boy chuckled. "I was actually frozen solid there. I thought... I thought I'd be sitting it out. But I saw you in trouble and I... just had to, you know?"

He appeared to want to say more but decided against it before finishing. "Thanks again, Vară."

~@13org (FYR), @AzureKnight (NAG), @Restalaan (DIT)~

"I... misjudged him. I might have misjudged humans as a whole race... Selfish... Greedy... Self destructive... They lack respect for their own... The don't value anything but their own desires. Not even life. Maybe the elders were right... A Viera belong to the woods. I wonder if the woods will welcome back with open arms again."

Haley could not believe what she was hearing. "W-What're you saying? Are you- Are you leaving?!"

"Just like that? Someone gets pissy and you're ready to throw in the towel?" The Siren began to berate Freyr. "Come on Freyr, you're better than that. You've encountered the Varjans and you're gonna get discouraged by some callous jerk?" She sighed. "Besides, what about the other Humans you've met? You think plain ol' Neil back there is just as much of a jerk? Or that Maria girl in Boreal Port?"

It was then that Ditzy and Nagare who also had words for Freyr.

"Ms. Haley I hope you're not too upset either, I know he insulted you during all that."

The Siren sighed. "...Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't affected but I'll be fine." Haley replied to the Dragon. "Thanks for asking."

---

---

~@BKburke~

"Well...my name is John Clarke. As far as skills go, I may be the man you need to fix that hole. I did construction and engineering in my home town. If you can tell Bart to just get materials, I could do it. Actually, I don't think I brought the tools for it. I could head into the closest town and buy the tools and materials. Consider the tools payed for but I'll bart the bill on the materials. Anyway, aside from construction, I've been a blacksmith for awhile. I'm also a decent tailor so making clothes, armor, and weapons for the group wont be difficult if the need it. I'm decent with a weapon too."

"W-Well, Bart already took most of the gold so... no gold for you." Neil replied, relaxing somewhat.

"And don't worry about the hole for now. If Bart comes back without anyone, we'll get you working. For now, you can take it easy for a while, maybe do a quest or two. The day's perfect for some adventuring." Neil suggested. "We actually have some requests posted at the Quest Board. Err, it's outside but I took a quick glance and there's a lot." He continued.

"But since you just came here, you are free to relax and explore the guild for the day. Of course, we expect you to pull your weight here but considering you're an engineer and knows how to fight, I'm sure that won't be a problem."

"Oh, I also can enchant items while I make them. My clothes are enchanted against wear and tear. I can do more than that but I thought I'd give an example. "

"Oh, you can make stuff too and enchant them?" Neil repeated. "We actually have a forge behind the guild. And we also have Talia, our very own Cyclops smith. She usually in the forge but... we've yet to avail her services since our... usual fighters don't use weapons that much. Still, it's nice to have her."

"Do you wanna meet her? I believe she's at the forge right now. I believe she's also into construction and building like you are."

Vivian notices John's discomfort, but doesn't say anything, whereas Sylvia fails to notice.

When Neil splashes the liliraune with water, both Vivian and Sylvia gasp in delight as the water seeps rapidly into the soil of their pot and is absorbed through their roots. Their flaccid, wrinkled, dull-green skin fills out, becoming supple, vibrant, and acquiring a healthy sheen. Glistening in moisture, the two run their hands over their faces in joy and relief, closing their eyes and smiling. Remembering her manners, Sylvia says, "Thank you, uh, Neil, was it? We desperately needed that." While the twins were reveling in the water, John introduced himself. "A carpenter? Bart hired us to cook! ...and make medicine. Name's Vivian! ...and Sylvia. If you could show us to the kitchen, garden, and medicine pantry, it would be greatly appreciated! Oh and mister John, if you need a cart..." The liliraune's strong vines and roots wrap around their massive clay pot, gingerly lifting themselves off the wooden plank with wheels that they had used to travel. Landing next to the dolly with a dull 'clink', Vivian continued, "Feel free to use this! I won't need it unless I'm traveling long distance. Within this building, I'm sure I can get around just fine without it." Vivian had a proud, smug, self-satisfied expression, like she just offered the greatest idea in the world, failing to recognize that a wooden dolly like this was not nearly as easy to use as an actual cart or wheelbarrow, whereas Sylvia just offered her sister a look of skepticism.

@AzureKnight@PaulHaynek@ShwiggityShwah@13org@Lmpkio

Yang Bethlehem

That's a lot of words. Yang frowned as she tried to understand Ozzy increasingly fast pace words, the most she gleaned was things she knew already from stories. It would explain why did both of them felt old, a similar presence given out by her master.

Though, are they young? Or are they old? She thought before she just shrugged her shoulders at that.

Yang accompanied Ozzy and rested a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.

"Calm, regardless of their presence, they're still our guildmates and they probably have plenty to talk or catch up with one another." Yang bowed her head to the two of them as she calmly guided Ozzy to her side. "My apologies for interrupting the two of you. Ozzy is a bit...enthusiastic at times."

"Perhaps you can inquire about them later and on a better time?" Yang raised her head, her eyes slightly tired and shoulder sagged at that. "All of us had a rough day after all."

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

"It was... gratifying. At least for me." Freyr replied with a distant smile, gently patting Ditzy's head. When he asked where he was going though, his smile disappeared.

"I... You should go rest, Ditzy. It was probably a really long day for you too, just as it was for me, wasn't it?" Freyr said, with a smile.

Ditzy smiled and purred slightly when Freyr patted his head, his parents often do the same. Though the next statement confused him.

"Aren't you tired too? So why go out instead of the room?" Ditzy asked without much thought, he hadn't caught up to their conversation and thus, don't really know what they're talking about.

He beamed in delight when Nagara joined in, and with a smile, greeted her enthusiastically.

"Yup! I had to help Ambran become number one! So I had to catch some people by throwing my sandbag at them, but I have to be careful not to hurt them," He mimicked a spinning and then throwing motion akin to a sling, continuing his explanation without pause ."then there's this person who kept speaking in a weird language that I didn't understand at all."

"Ah, maybe we can go on more work again! Saburo was a fun person."

That's when Haley chipped her opinion to Freyr, which just overwhelm Ditzy as he tried his best to process all the information that they said to Freyr. It took him a while to realize what they're talking about until he finally processed it which he slowly dropped his smile.

"...Are you mad about Bart?" Ditzy said, he never really liked people that shout or get angry. "Sometimes papa also gets angry and say painful things, but he didn't mean it."

Normally only bad people do that, like last time-

He shook his head at that.

"Only bad people mean what they say, Bart isn't one." Ditzy gave a smaller smile as he recalled meeting Bart, the one who regal him stories about the outside world and giving him the opportunity for it. "He took in Ditzy after all!"