[IC] Summoners of Babel

[Duoya]

Samuel was nervous. Here he was, standing on a podium in front of dozens of people, several of which could kill him extremely easily, and both sides were awaiting his response. Obviously, Samuel did not approve of this harsh treatment of the spirits. They are god's creations, and they inhabited one of the locations where god's presence can be felt the most! But... this boy... he was dangerous. Samuel could tell that with a passing glance. No matter what he said, Samuel would never step on Gabriel; Gabriel is the last friend Samuel had left.

"Listen, we should all just calm down and talk about this-"

"Scum...you're flat out scum! Even worse than the bugs at Ad Vitam, and I clean that place every day. Spirits are our partners, our family, and you lot just step on them! As if, step on me too then why don't you try?! And Samuel, why are you up there? You actually want to support this guy!? Thought you were a part of our group...if you really do support him Samuel, I'm sorry but that's a jerk move, and I hate...absolutely hate people that just go against us for a bad cause."

Okami! Lord, how am I going to explain this!? Samuel began to listen to the blond boy as soon as he heard his name.

"...And you, the one that boy calls Samuel...are you really a part of his group? Tell me how pathetic that kid is, I really wish to know. All I see is someone who can kick and run like the dog he has under his command."

Samuel turned to his friend and the blond boy, and gave his response.

"I do not share his beliefs, however, I do not wish for us all to fight. We can solve this peacefully. Their is no need for useless bloodshed, even with healers on standby!"

"And no, 'that boy' is far less pathetic than I was at his age."

Samuel looked behind Okami and, thankfully, Lena was coming to help. Thank goodness. She is usually the one who is calm and collected... She'll help me sort all this out. A smile that was flashed his way and kind words nearly assured this thought in Samuel's mind, but a drawn blade quickly corrected this.

"I-I am unaware of of you or your house, However...I do know that this is not right nor good behavior. You will cease this abuse, or I will be forced to act."

Samuel was in shock. Of course he couldn't accept or relate to the blond boy's beliefs, but the way his allies turned so quickly to violence... It scared him. Is that all it took? A single insult and we become... like this? Samuel worried that this would get out of hand very soon. The young man next to him, Alex, also decided to comment.

“You’re asking me… to see the one creature that helped me the most in my life… as a tool?”

Alex quickly leaned close to him and whispered.

“There are two kinds of evil. Those who act evil and those who close their eyes to it.”

... This... Hurt. This hurt Samuel. He always thought that he was a mediator, a person who settled things civilly... Was this how people thought about him? A sharp pain rings throughout his head, and by the time he gathered his bearings, Alex had whispered something else in his ear.

Samuel sighed and looked towards the blond boy.

"As you can probably tell, I do not share your beliefs. I believe that all beings are different... but, in their own ways, equal. You will likely disagree with this view, but that is what I believe. If you would like, I am more than willing to discuss these ethical and philosophical issues over a nice cup of tea!"

"However, I must give you some advice; not as a competitor, not as a holy man, and not as an enemy. I tell you this as a man who has seen and done many things in life, not all of which were... commendable. Humility, diligence, and friendship are the keys to success."

"From what I have seen, you lack two of these things. I apologize, but these people are my allies. I pray that you find others who choose to join you."

Samuel moves to stand in front of his friends. If this kid throws a tantrum, I'll take it... Besides, I said I was the meat shield.



I am angry.

I am angry.

I am... very tired...

I knew I shouldn't... have kept guard watch over the camp.... last night....

Why did master have... to use so much energy...

...A quick nap couldn't hurt.

Summoners

@Cherrywitch,@Lonewolf685,@Ammokkx,@Rune_Alchemist,@Lady Athena,@RabidAnubis,@Legion02,@Savo,@KoL,@TheWindel,@cloudystar

Note: Samuel using Diplomacy skill.

[Cherrywitch]

Faera Nottingham

Interactions: @lady athena@rabidanubis

The girl had watched others join the boy, and even more ridicule and become aggressive towards him. This... isn't how it should be. Everyone should be celebrating, why did it turn out like this? Faera grit her teeth, not even appearing shocked at the new kitsune- or, half kitsune- in their midst. Inari had stood back until now, until when he saw the beginnings of tears in Faera's eyes.

It almost physically hurt him to see that. She'd never driven to the point of tears, she was always smiling. Even now she was fighting them back. The fox's lip twitched with his anger at that, shutting his eyes tightly closed.

"I-Inari! Put me down!"

Though Faera had ignored the comforting hand on her shoulder from Villi, she could not ignore being slung over the kitsune's shoulder like a sack of potatoes. That rare moment where he actually appeared to soften was gone, he tucking his arms into his coat sleeves firmly and maintaining a stone cold expression. "We have no time for this. And this is not good for you. We're leaving, as the demon girl suggests."

Inari ignored the protests the girl loudly spoke, walking peacefully beside both Villi and the new kitsune without giving them a second glance. His only focus at the moment was to get Faera far away from here. Someone like her... should never be sad. He never wanted to see her cry.

[cloudystar]

Francis Duquois

At the Podium --> Town Center --> Floor One Center

The young noble shakes his head as if this was all just a small rabble that a king has to deal with. Though, his eyes were locked on something else, which was the maid returning quite quickly to head over and whisper inside the young noble's ear. Francis laughs once more quite greedily after hearing the information and nods his head. Turning to the first woman he talked to and planning to go to each person who went against him, he begins his final speech for the day that he planned to give. His maid bends over and forms a seat of sorts on her back as she was on her knees for the noble to rest on as he speaks.

"Again, I do believe that you should not be one to make assumptions of people Kiara. You seem to only have gotten your license from the Flaming Hearts as a sponsor instead of working as the followers who actually managed to work for their licenses. Now for you elf, my house is one of great power. One that you common folk seem to have forgotten and don't worry, soon you all will remember it for the rest of your lives. Now, you who has fox Spirit features...you may think that you're in a balanced relationship with your Spirits, but we're the ones who own the contract. Therefore, they're just tools for our success. My tools aren't complaining and listen to my command which leads to them performing at perfection efficiency. Unfortunate for you Alex...could have helped you in reaching higher goals but if you wish to stay with these fools, so be it. Same with you Samuel, and no, I have no desire to fight you lot. If you lower-classed wish to start one, I suggest you do it when you're all ready. From the looks of it, half of you aren't even in a condition nor even want to fight which will be a boring victory for me...you guys can just go off and celebrate and do whatever. I will deal with you some other time. Those who wish to still join me, come to the Duquois Residence's Gates tomorrow morning. I'll be sure to accept you who do formally and officially by then."

Satisfied with his speech and dealing with the peasants, Francis seems to have disappeared though reappearing at the portal as if the one speaking was an illusion. The noble was followed by his two Spirits who were still mute as they followed him leave.

---

Situation

The crowd of adventurers began to disperse. Some may have even started going up the Tower, though most heading out to go back home. The group who were paying close attention to the noble's words still some of the few at the podium in the middle of the Floor...with a few options on what to do now.

---

Okami and Lupa

Okami sits down sighing and taking back his energy as the Iron Knuckle and Iron Boot disappear. Lupa was still at his side, happily wagging her tail from successfully locating the source of the problem. However she did nudge Okami due to his disappointment for falling for the illusion. "It's alright girl...we'll be fine...but man, that guy seems familiar. Oh well, we'll figure it out next time hehe." He gets up and stretches for a moment, to look at the others who were with him. He notices Faera, Vii, and...Alba? Then he realized Samuel was still nearby and waves at him too. After that, he does a bow to Lena...being one of the first to support his rash idea.

"...thanks Lena, I owe you big time for that. Would have fallen for more illusions and gotten destroyed in a fight by myself and it's the thought that counts. Samuel...I was just surprised you'd do that, knew we only met recently but thought we were pals. It's okay to be honest now and tell us if you want to leave our team. Err...Vii, you guys don't want to come to my family's tavern? Same with you and Faera...and Alba. Alba, you look perfectly fine by the way but if you want to get a new cloak, you can use my jacket for now. The Ad Vitam is a great place to throw a party...well if you guys don't mind the loud noises and such. It can get quite hectic...but I'm willing to ask my family to throw a grand celebration for all of us! We deserve it! Plus, my ma has connections with a very good messenger Spirit so if you guys want to contact your homes if you need to stay the night at the tavern, you guys can...unless you all want to go somewhere else. I'm up for anything...but mostly rest would be nice."

Lupa gives a cheerful bark from Okami's energetic statement to prove his point. She hops up and down ready to go, and as much as Okami wants to join her in the hopping...constantly using the hybrid mixture of Forms was quite exhausting. At least he made a few friends out of this ordeal and was looking forward to some rest sooner or later. Okami does wave at the few who were still here as he starts to stretch a bit.

Maybe they're new adventurers too? I should ask the others if they should join.

"Hey, Vii...you think those other people who're here want to join the party too? I mean, we did all pass...that and I do want to talk about how you guys all got high scores! Can't believe pops tricked me..."

---

@TheWindel, @Rune_Alchemist, @Lady Athena, @Cherrywitch, @RabidAnubis, @Duoya, @Legion02, @KoL, @Lonewolf685, @MacDuffy, @Ammokkx

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Tania and Lena~

Following after Vili

@RabidAnubis, anyone with Vili

---

Lena was glad. Relieved, even, that others were standing up for the spirits. She feared that others would only stand idly by, or possibly even mock her for saying such a thing. It made the small knot in her stomach disappear almost completely, and a newfound confidence was replaced with it instead. Unfortunately, it only lasted moments. The noble boy or whoever didn't listen to them at all. In fact, he seemed to downright ignore them...and before she could do anything to help defend these spirits, the boy and his entourage left. Her hand tightened on her sword. She almost wanted to chase after him, but it'd be a fool's errand and she knew it. With her current skill...she'd probably not be able to do much.

"Grr...that arrogant prick..." Tania formed beside her as Lena released the fusion. "...one of these days those guys will get what's coming to them, and we'll both be laughing, my little elf." Her voice was dark in tone, but if Lena noticed she didn't say anything. Instead, she sheathed her blade and shook her head with a sigh. She was...tired. Honestly, she was a bit upset and she'd love nothing more than to run home and hide in her bed for the rest of the day, or attend Okami's little party at his tavern.

But she had something else she thought was much more important to do. Vili. Why didn't she try and say anything? Lena couldn't understand it. In fact, it made her somewhat irritated that someone like her would stand idly by while spirits were being abused. Granted she doubted they could do much, but...if they didn't try, who would? If you wanted to change something, you could't wait around and let others try and do it.

"A-ah...oh, you're welcome!" Lena finally stuttered out in reply to Okami's thanks. "I think, uhm...I'm not feeling the best and I have some business I have to take care of." She briefly glanced towards Vili. "Maybe some other time, alright?" She gave him a friendly smile, before walking off after the demoness, trying to steel herself for this conversation she really didn't want to have, but it was one she needed to have.

"V-vili!" Lena shouted somewhat hesitantly upon catching up with her. "Uhm, you wouldn't mind if I joined you for a few moments, would you? I uhm, would like to speak with you about something." Tania simply yawned, taking her usual place atop the elfs head.

[Lonewolf685]

R o m a

@cloudystar@MacDuffy@KoL@TheWindel

Throughout dialogue, conflict, and friendly groping, the Eel remained stolid and observed the prattling noble rebuke all challengers like a proud lion defending the warm rock he lounged upon. Whether he could actually back up his claims right now was superfluous when neither Kiara nor her spirits had any intention of fighting the man they hadn't really even met.

Francis was blatant with his displays of influence, ferreting out Kiara's name and limited background thanks to that maid of his, a woman Roma would be all too happy to detain with a gag in her mouth for her part in Francis' theater act.

"What a fool. What fools all you humans are, binding spirits to yourself and assuming they shall remain that way forever more. When you both stand unshackled, there is questioning whose might will win out against the other." Roma lamented dryly as those seeking power thought they'd have a better chance wielding a tool then a Spirit. That school of thought may have had merit, were it not that the Wielders of these weapons were too weak to understand their true capabilities. One doesn't chop trees with a sword unless they want to dull the edge and snap steel long before it could ever know the life it was meant for.

[color=C71585]"You would think that they would be wise enough to know how fortunate they are to have a spirit at all. If I hadn't chosen Kiara then she wouldn't have realized she's a blatant sub."

The rather chilling diatribe on a spirit revolution in the making was hampered by Roma joining Artemis in feeling Kiara up beneath the coat.

[Roleplayer001]

Direct Interactions:@Lady Athena@Cherrywitch@cloudystar@Rune_Alchemist
In Area of: The portal, leaving to her house.

Vili continued to guide the trio of summoners towards the exit, although as they were leaving Faera seemed to pause for a moment. Looking between her two companions, one of them seemed catatonic and one of them was in tears. They both had clearly been affected by the display put on by the bastard.

"I-Inari! Put me down!"

Before the blonde girl could do something drastic though, Inari picked his mage up and tossed her over his shoulder. The girl didn't seem happy about it, but Inari didn't seem to care that much. The black haired girl gave him a slight nod of approval despite her new friend clearly being upset about the circumstance. With only a single charge remaining, Vilivyn wrapped her arm further around Alba and began to guide them once more as a familiar voice piqued up behind them.

"...Vii, you guys don't want to come to my family's tavern? Same with you and Faera...and Alba. Alba, you look perfectly fine by the way but if you want to get a new cloak, you can use my jacket for now. The Ad Vitam is a great place to throw a party...well if you guys don't mind the loud noises and such. It can get quite hectic...but I'm willing to ask my family to throw a grand celebration for all of us! We deserve it! Plus, my ma has connections with a very good messenger Spirit so if you guys want to contact your homes if you need to stay the night at the tavern, you guys can...unless you all want to go somewhere else. I'm up for anything...but mostly rest would be nice."

Okami arrived as soon as the nobleman finished his speech, kindly offering his cloak and a party at his tavern ... but a brief look at her companions suggested they wanted a more private social gathering if one at all. The black haired girl forced herself to cheer up, giving the man a kind smile. "Thanks Okami for the offers! But I'll get the adorablewhiteearedfoxy here something from my house, and we want to ..." How to put him down nicely ... the guy was so nice ... "... have something alittlesmaller with the girls at my place! A sisterhood of sorts! We can meet tomorrow at your tavern though before we head to the tower, alright?" A brief look at the state of her companions suggested they should get somewhere they could sit down as soon as possible, and she began to lead her group towards the portal again.

"V-vili! Uhm, you wouldn't mind if I joined you for a few moments, would you? I uhm, would like to speak with you about something."

After walking only a few more paces though, another voice vied for her attention. Lena. The elf seemed interested in talking again, hopefully not to resume the staring contest she had been trying to start earlier. After a brief sigh, Vilivyn gave the girl a brief nod. "We are ..." Cheerful, Vili. "... wenewfriends are probablygoing to my place! Ask me there if you want, alright?"

Vili reached the portal (hopefully with everyone following) and after a brief moment of waiting for companions to catch up, she started to head briskly down the street. If one of them wanted to leave, she would wave them goodbye before continuing. A brief look over at the white haired kitsune later ... "Hey ... you okay over there?" Vili tightened her comforting arm slightly, trying to make sure her fellow spirit-kin was alright.

[Ammokkx]

"Ah... Baldur, you zay? I have heard that name before. From where, ekzactly, I can not recall... but the pazt iz the pazt, no?" Rolle replied calmly to the taller man, adding a rather boisterous laugh at the end.

"Yez, we are both a little out of plaze here. That makez it interezting, no?" The middle-aged man's smile broadened. He walked a bit closer to Baldur and took a spot next to him, then turned around to look back at the room. Right about then, someone walked past that seemed to grab the blonde's attention, with Baldur's eyes tracing them.

"Ah, a holy man! Are you perhapz of the religiouz type, zir Baldur?" The question seemed to fall on deaf ears, because the samurai-looking fellow started to walk off. There was a scene being caused at the stage, from the looks of it. A youth stepped on his spirit.

"Well, hiz zpiritz muzt be gluttonz for punizhment. Though I do admit to not zee the whole picture," Rolle started to follow and tried to start conversation again, but Baldur wasn't listening. It lead Rolle to the conclusion that this man would be a tough nut to crack, even though he had a feeling of the sort already. Suddenly, Baldur started to speak up again.

"The tension is thick, here... blood is about to be shed."

"Well, I would hope not! I dread to be caught in the crozzfire..." Rolle shuddered at the thought of getting into a fight, preferring not to think about it at all. He was able to fight, yes, but he'd prefer to avoid it. Rolle took notice of more and more people starting to speak up against the young blonde up in stage, rubbing his chin as he watched. People were giving a particularly hard time to the elderly man from before, receiving a few tuts from Rolle.

"Oh the youth! They are giving that man quite the rough time, no? But... I think they are being a little unfair. They do not zeem like zuch a bad perzon, I have zeen much worze people who claim to be of faith." Rolle folded his arms, glancing up at Baldur. The man seemed primed to fight, not talk. Rolle's words were just going past him.

The crowd seemed to disperse soon enough, with the blond boy proudly boasting of his family and that none of the others would stand a chance. "Well, that iz that!" Rolle patted Baldur on the back, taking a few steps forward.

"That boy iz quite the handful, eh? But, I do not think I will be joining him. Working alone zeemz to be more fitting for folk like uz, no? Gwahaha!" Rolle gave a jovial laugh, then nudged towards the few folk still crowded around the stage.

"I think I will talk to zome of the young maidenz over there! Do not fret, though. We zhall zee each other on the the ekzcurzion, yez?" Rolle bowed goodbye to the mercenary, then turned around to go towards the three young maidens huddling together under a large coat. They were all clothed rather fancily, not to mention they were quite young! They were three beauties, so they old man had to be careful in choosing his words. It would do him no good to be arrested at this point in time.

"...wise enough to know how fortunate they are to have a spirit at all. If I hadn't chosen Kiara then she wouldn't have realized she's a blatant sub."

Rolle overheard a snippet of something one of the young beauties was muttering, raising one of his eyebrows. A humanoid spirit, eh? Well, that was even more dangerous! Now they wouldn't even need to arrest Rolle, they could just pin him down themselves. Still, he couldn't just ignore a comment like that.

"Are you not happy with your zummoner, young mizz? Becauze you zhould know az well az any that if you chooze your zummoner, you are deziding to zpend your life with them." The man was approaching from the side, so he should not catch the three young ladies off guard. He was calm and composed, signature smile with arms open as a welcoming gesture.

"But where are my mannerz? Rolle, zummoner and travelling artizt. I azzume you three will be climbing the tower az well? Well, pleazed to make your acquaintanze either way." If he had known which one was the summoner, Rolle would have kissed their hand to show respect. For now, he's content to just give a regular bow to all three.

---

Lionae's ears fell flat against her head as Okami and Lupa climbed back out of the trees and sat there for a bit, saddened. She wanted to play, but now she couldn't. The spirit followed them both with her eyes, flinching from the dagger hitting the tree. She jumped to another branch, then down to the ground. She watched from behind the tree as the entire scene unfolded, a little scared of all that was happening.

Okami moved away again, along with Lupa. Lionae's ears perked up again as she dashed to the next tree again, eyeing them closely. She was really, really curious. He was talking to some girls... Lionae heard about the party, but she didn't know what a party was like. The lion cub slowly snuck up towards the boy and his wolf, tapping their shoulders with a claw once close enough. As soon as Okami turned around, the girl jumped back and got down on all fours, with her tail curved around and pressed against Lionae's side. She stared up at the boy, but didn't move or say anything. The only thing he got was a continuous, unblinking stare.

[TheWendil]

~Kiara~
^{Current Location: Near the Portal}

Man this guy was a jerk and Kiara was starting to realize there was no point in trying to converse with him. Thankfully everyone else seemed to agree with her sentiments because quite a few people were voicing their protests. Whether the French prick would acknowledge them was beyond her and she had to watch as even her own Spirits responded with vitriol.

From people doing dramatic reveals, to personal vendettas against the man, Kiara only cared for the words of her Spirits for obvious reasons. Even so, her heart swelled to hear Artemis and Roma so readily defend her and she watched in slight surprise to see how vehement the two were acting towards Francis. Well at least he was leaving now, if only with a passing remark.

“Dick,” she muttered under her breath before jumping in her own skin with the sensation of two pairs of hands pawing at her. “Knock if off you two! And Roma, don’t just say things like that in public!” she said, trying to shove the two overtly-affectionate women away from her. They could be clingy sometimes and were often more trouble than they were worth because of that.

“We can go talk to the bat lady as soon as you get off-huh? Oh, hi there,” she said, the presence of a man with a different accent than what she was used to. Then she realized that he was talking more so to her Spirits than to her so she narrowed her eyes. “They better be satisfied being stuck with me,” she said with a warning glare to both Roma and Artemis. “Name’s Kiara. Don’t mind these two perverts. And yeah, we’re traveling to the Tower too.”

---

@Ammokkx, @Lonewolf685, @KoL

[Lady Athena]

Fortunata

---

The kitsune girl formally known as "Alba" or the robed figure was on the ground motionless with her two spirits on her. "U-u-ummm Are you alr-" The blue spirit spoke before being quickly cut off by the green "NoYouShouldKnowBetterThanAnyoneThatSheDoesntLikeBeingLookedAtByOthers". Next thing they know there friend is being dragged off by a demoness that they had never seen before. They latched onto there friend and try to pull away even though there strengths combined was nothing compared to the demoness.

The kitsune was dragged through the crowd and back towards the portal. There was no signs of her recovering anytime soon. So every little word someone had said to her was not heard

@Cherrywitch@RabidAnubis

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Tania and Lena~

Following Vili

@RabidAnubis @Lady Athena@Cherrywitch

---

Aha! Good, that probably meant Vili wasn't upset with her for her earlier slip up, so that was a bonus. That was a relief to the elf, who let out a breath she had been holding. Plus, the girl had just invited her back to her home! That meant everything was going well, then. Lena gave a bright smile to Vili. It made her feel a bit bad she was probably going to talk to her about something that wasn't particularly friendly sounding...but...she didn't think Vili was a bad person or would get upset over something like that.

...she's been grossly wrong about people before though. Hopefully, these people weren't anything like the last people she was in a party with.

"Right! Thank you." For now though, Lena fell silent and looked at a few other of her companions for the rest of the day. Two Kitsunes it seemed, one a spirit touched and the other a spirit. This was...well, quite interesting to say the least. She hoped she could get along with all of them. So the elf followed after Vili and the others towards the portal.

Tania simply remained quiet, propping her tiny head up with her hands as she laid on Lena's head and studying the others intently - specifically Vili. Perhaps this spirit touched would be useful, if Lena could become friends with her. It'd mean she'd have to help the two of them get to know each other, but two loyal friends were better than one, and both her and Lena could likely be easily persuaded. Hmm...well, what could it hurt? Lena could use a little friend other than her, heh.

"Hmm...she seems...nice." The fairy yawned, letting her body drape over Lena's head with her arms dangling off her forehead.

"Tania, don't be so suspicious."

"Meh, I don't trust any of these guys." She couldn't be too friendly, though, otherwise even her funny little elf might get suspicious. "Not until I thoroughly test their loyalties."

"Tania, no stealing their undergarments allowed!"

"...you're no fun. But I'll settle for putting salt in their sweet drinks and foods."

"Tania!" The two continued bickering like this, all the way to Vili's manor.

[Cherrywitch]

Faera Nottingham

Interactions: @Rune_Alchemist@lady athena@rabidanubis

Faera eventually calmed down, though Inari still refused to set her down. Faera merely pouted as she hung from her kitsune's shoulder. At least they were going to get to relax finally. She could use a good break! The thought made her smile to herself, Inari arching a brow at her as he took a glance at his companion.

The orange haired girl looked up curiously, noticing that there was one more person there than before. "Hi there! Er, no, up here. Yeah, hi!" She grinned cheekily at the elf and fairy, seeming not to mind that at the moment she was still draped over her spirit's shoulder. "You are a friend of Vili's? That's cool! I guess I could say that myself, hehe... I'm Faera, it's nice to meet you." She greeted in her normal cheerful way, before suddenly snapping a frown at Inari. "Hey, at least put me down so I can properly say hello!"

Inari didn't look at his summoner as he responded. "No."
"Wah, why not?"
"You're too slow."
"So mean!"

[Roleplayer001]

Direct Interactions:@Lady Athena@Cherrywitch@Rune_Alchemist
In Area of: Manor of De Draiochta (Vili's House)

The party advanced forward, Vili taking slight notice of the two spirit's dragging along with the white haired kitsune. Alba seemed unresponsive, so the demoness would have her mother check on the girl. The normally cheerful girl looked down at her friend's two companions. "She isn't doing so well. My Step-Mother is a mage though, and can probably make her feel better, alright?"

Faera seemed to calm down, although Inari still refused to put her down. It was a sweet gesture, in a way. The girl didn't seem too upset either, although she was pouting in a cute way at how her spirit was ... caring for her. The elf and the little fairy seemed to keep bickering about something, but they were just out of earshot for the bat-winged girl.

---

It wasn't too far of a walk, and eventually the party found themselves in front of a gated manor house, about a hundred and fifty feet long and fifty wide, with a tall tower at one end of it accessible through a bridge connecting to the second level of the house, a greenhouse connected on the backside of it, and a few additional rooms over a covered walkway that was where coaches would arrive with guests. Overall the place was an indication of wealth with a high elven architectural style giving it an elegant appearance. There was probably a few more buildings within the manor, but they weren't viewable from the street.

As the party approached, a guard opened the gate for them, greeting Vili with a bow. "Thanks Tom!" Tom waved the party by, closing the metal grate behind them. Approaching through the yard, the group found themselves entering through a set of engraved wooden doors into the interior, where a hallway awaited them. Taking an immediate left revealed a well decorated room featuring couches, sofas, and side tables with plants sitting on top and a natural/wooden theme going throughout. "Sit! Makeyourselves comfy!"

The demoness walked over to a fine wooden rack, taking a cloak intended for guests off it and putting the black garment around the white haired kitsune, giving her a wide smile as she used a ribbon to tie the front of it closed, then tossing the hood over alba's perky ears. "Is that better?" Vilivyn calmly lowered Alba onto a comfy sofa, trying to see if she was alright. A curious servant turned around the corner, who Vili shared a few quiet words with then sent running. Turning back to the guests, she gave them a wide smile. "Refreshments and snacks are coming! Also, ifanyofyou need a place to stay for the night, you are welcome to!"

[Duoya]

Samuel is very tired. Apparently, all the work he did during the exam tired him out a lot more than he thought. He was alerted to the sound of his name being called from Okami.

"Samuel...I was just surprised you'd do that, knew we only met recently but thought we were pals. It's okay to be honest now and tell us if you want to leave our team."

Samuel looks shocked as he hears this. What ad he done to make Okami think like that?

"Of course I do not wish to leave the team. I promised that I would help. Besides, I may not look like it, but I'm pretty useful!"

The pain that Samuel felt earlier has died down completely, and Samuel watches the girls begin to leave. It seems like they were going to have a party with Vilivyn. As he thought of this, he realized that he didn't have any money.

"I would love to take you up on that offer Okami, but I need to sell some things. Otherwise I don't think I will have a place to sleep tonight... Also, do you mind showing me a place that is willing to take camping supplies?"

Samuel looked to the young man, Alex, and talked to him.

"I know I said I would introduce you to the other members, but I need to take care of some business, and it seems like half of them already left... If you would like, you can come along with me, but I'm sure Okami wouldn't mind taking you with him to the inn."

Samuel carefully stroked the small bird's feathers. Gabriel seems to have passed out. Samuel began to wonder what the bird was even thinking. Unlike many of the others, he could not understand anything that Gabriel does or says.

"What do you guys think of that boy from earlier? He seemed to be important, but his views are very... controversial, to say the least."

Samuel smiled. Maybe he had what it takes to go through the tower. And whatever he didn't have, the others probably did.



...



Samuel is still on the first floor of the tower, but is asking Okami where he could sell some camping supplies.

[MacDuffy]

Baldur

@TheWindel, @Rune_Alchemist, @Lady Athena, @Cherrywitch, @RabidAnubis, @Duoya, @Legion02, @KoL, @Lonewolf685, @cloudystar, @Ammokkx

---

As the collection of youths argued on the stage, Baldur watched silently, waiting for the spark that would start the riot. But that spark never came, to his chagrin. Many topics were thrown about: the merit of licenses, the ethics of spiritual contracts...subject matters insignificant to him. A gauntlet was thrown, a dagger was flung, a sword was at a man's throat, and they all engage in petty arguments? This army was absurd, a mockery of the art of war.

"Well, I would hope not! I dread to be caught in the crozz-..."

As the loud young lad at the center of it all made his final boasts to the crowd, Baldur frowned just slightly. He had hoped to see for himself the potential these people possessed, if there was truly any strong warriors among them. He caught a brief glimpse of such things, when that young man sped in, but it would seem that there would be no battle at all...

"Oh the youth! They are giving that man quite the rough time, no? But... I think they are being a little unfair. They do not zeem like zuch a bad-..."

This would not do. Empty platitudes and meaningless boasts do not make a trustworthy ally....or an interesting opponent. The elf girl shook and trembled as she held her sword, stammering out each word she spoke. A pathetic display from someone who dared speak of doing what is right. The braggart boy spoke earfuls of his greatness, of the greatness of his family name...and did nothing but a paltry vanishing act. The man of the cloth, at least, stood steadfast to protect his comrades with his body. Perhaps his impression of him was not as correct as he assumed...Regardless, if they would not show their hands, then Baldur would seek them out. That boy's invitation to his estate tomorrow morning was as good an excuse as any. He would go to him and see for himself if there was truly strength behind his arrogance...

"Well, that iz that!"

As the crowd dispersed, Baldur blinked once, it finally reoccurring to him that the short fellow was speaking to him. He looked back down at him.

"That boy iz quite the handful, eh? But, I do not think I will be joining him. Working alone zeemz to be more fitting for folk like uz, no? Gwahaha!"

Baldur exhaled, and replied. "Perhaps....but the beasts that await us above are no doubt uncaring of the honor in single combat. There is value in numbers in a campaign such as this...."

He silently nodded to Rolle with a polite smile as he excused himself to speak to the trio of strange girls upon the stage. He watched their conversation for a brief moment, before turning his gaze to the remainder of the dispersing crowd. He watched as some ascended to the upper floors. His initial intent was to do the same, but now, it would seem, his time to make the climb was not yet right.

"ToWeR..."

Baldur frowned again, as the voice of his ever-present friend spoke its insisting whisper yet again, as if in response to his own thoughts. 'Worry not,' Baldur mused in his mind. 'We are making our way....consider this a detour.'

He began to make his own way back to the portal, and the city. For now, he would simply have to find a way to spend the rest of the day. He recalled a quaint little tavern, back in town....a fine enough place to rest and relax for the evening. Letting the brim of his hat sink over his eyes once again, he silently made his way to that tavern.

[cloudystar]

Okami & Lupa

Heading to the Portal Exit --> Leaving the Tower

---

"What! Supplies you need to sell just for a roof over your head for the night! Come on, I'll get my parents to lend you a room for the night Samuel, you just make sure you compliment them about their cooking. And you can bring your new friend too, he seems like a cool guy...well seems like it. Man, I'm upset...no one pulled off a Unison Form so I thought I'd get high points for one...oh well, better go back to the training board back at the tavern. My step-parents own one of the best in the city I think, called Ad Vitam! Guess it'll just be the three of us and I need to hurry, got the night shift tonight." (@Duoya@Legion02)

Okami hurries off as he waves at the rest of the crowd who was still here for some reason. However, he quickly leaves with his quick pace as Lupa follows behind...though they both stop for a moment to turn around and see the Spirit from earlier on the podium. They both hurry over to her, Lupa going against her leg to rub against as Okami goes over to pet her gently.

"Hey there, you were tons of fun earlier! Want to go get your Summoner and we'll go to my family tavern? It'll be lots of fun again, we got good food and music there. It's really a blast to hang out at and a fun place to run around at. I'll show you my training course too so you can run with me, what do you say? Lupa even finds you a great Spirit to hang with and she has a nose for it...Lupa, no not my foot, I was joking! What do you say?"

They wait for the Spirit from the tree to respond...patiently looking at her with smiles on their faces. (@Ammokkx)

[Legion02]

Alex merely smiled at the old man. He seemed genuine, which certainly made Alex feel better about himself. Though, he did feel a pang of guilt. This man offered him a place in among a group of friends, and he nearly rejected it in pursuit of power. Well, he couldn’t claim he didn’t want power. For days now Nimueh and him had been training for the test and they still couldn’t reach the top ten. He had to do better. Before he could answer Samuel, the boy Okami spoke.

Another who genuinely cared? Still, he wondered what everyone’s story was. Were they pursuing power as well? Or other things? Maybe wealth. Or just friendship? That used to be quite a distant thought. In his past few years, he severed nearly all ties with his old friends. Was friendship just friendship? Or could it be more useful? He had to stop thinking in such materialistic terms. But still, the whole reason he wants to explore the tower was to be strong to protect Alexis. He hoped the girl was doing OK without him. Not that she really needed him in the past.

“We’ll meet him again, I’m afraid.” Alex answered Samuel’s question, as he strolled with Okami. “He’s powerful, no doubt. But ruthless and even dangerous. I mean, why would you even stand on your own spirits!? Either way, I’m guessing we better prepare ourselves for the inevitable. That guy will see any group a threat to himself. We’ll be facing him sooner rather than later.” His voice was obviously hostile.

---

In the meantime, Nimueh was running after Lupa and trying to sniff her. She seemed, again, strangely intrigued by other spirits. But time would make out if she found the wolf any more interesting than she found Gabriel.

Summoners

@cloudystar, @Duoya

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Tania and Lena~

@Lady Athena@Cherrywitch@RabidAnubis

---

The walk to Vili's home was much more noisy than Lena had intended. Nothing new there, really. Tania had a tendency to make a nuisance of herself quite often. The elf simply sighed, deciding to push it out of her mind for now. Hopefully she would (mostly) behave herself when she got here. Lena would hate to make a terrible impression on Vili. Being a terrible guest was a good way to make people dislike you, and she really wanted to get along with these potential teammates of hers.

As they approached, Lena was most definitely not expecting what she saw. The place looked absolutely amazing. Vili must have been incredibly wealthy if she lived in a place like this...it made Lena somewhat self conscious of her own rather not so wealthy upbringing. While she wasn't exactly poor, she never exactly had money, and she wouldn't even know what to do with it if she did have it. It seemed to even have its own guards! As they walked through the gates and made their way into the room Vili led them into, Lena was feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

"Meh, I've lived in better places than this dump." Tania offhandedly commented, though Lena couldn't fathom what she meant by that so she remained quiet. Her home she still had with her parents and the occasional over night stay at the blacksmiths wasn't exactly high-class lodgings. At the offer of being able to stay the night though, Lena fidgeted slightly uncomfortably. She wasn't very comfortable in such a high-class place as this. It felt stifling, almost. She doubted she'd be able to sleep very comfortably here even if she did stay the night.

"A-ah...uhm, that won't be necessary Vili. I have some work I need to do in the morning a-and uhm, It'd be best if I slept somewhere a bit closer." Her tone was unsure, and as much as she tried to hide it they likely indicated mild discomfort as well. "B-but if you have some tea or something that would be lovely." She elected not to sit for now. It wouldn't do any good. She wouldn't be able to get comfortable for a bit. Tania, for the most part thankfully remained quiet. All she did was give Lena a small pat on the head, and idly looked around the room, likely for things she might be able to mess with.

[Lonewolf685]

R o m a

@KoL@TheWindel@Ammokkx

The spirit had her curiosity aroused when a man with a very thick accent happened upon them and seemingly misinterpreted the intentions of her more benign words. Apparently no one found the idea of a spirit revolution concerning, but then again these humans did think it a good idea to build a city around a tower of super powered monsters, so there surely must have been something in the water to eliminate the self preservation instincts of all the people here. Like oh so many lemmings...hmm, note to self, put Kiara in a lemming costume.

"You are mistaken in your understanding. I am pleased to have bound myself to a human like Kiara. No where in the world is there a greater canvas her skin in the pale moonlight, marred by streaks of red from the lash of a whip." Roma said to the complete stranger eying up three young woman, her groping hands returning to rest folded before her. "To be frank, if Artemis and I were not satisfied, then we would have eaten her with more then just our tongues."

Direct and deadpan as ever, Roma waited with a stoic face to witness the reaction of the two humans. It never ceased to be of interest to see their reaction to such frank discussion, though there was the uncanny feeling the foreign man would be delighted by such talk.

[Savo]

- Lux & Gerald Luzpin -

As the blackened boy stood there, grimacing at the child as myriads of others spoke out against his tactless ways. While he didn't catch most of the items on everyones agenda, a few did appeal to him more than the others. One knowledgeable assertion, whilst not directed and quiet against the "violence," he acknowledged in surprise, tipping his head to the side where it proceeded from. The law... droves of lessons and wisdom from mentors flashed in his mind... yes, fraudulent principles.

Echoing what his partner commented in the most straightforward way possible, he couldn't help but smile a little at the level-headedness the voice had. Lux turned his head a little farther, catching a glimpse at the girl. The sight truly enamored him; ethnicity stunning the boy to the core with stoicism in tow. Impressive and yet understandable. But again, the tower came to mind. Who was to say such jurisdictions could safeguard the lowly boy there?

"Irony reflecting, words unyielding, when the tower come-forth, he will withstand naught from the wayfayer's who rival him," he whispered abjectively to no soul in particular. His partner, on the other hand, was trying to comprehend what was transpiring between two counterparts to their claim... even he, an apparition could be considered tangible. The only thing that could escape his raspy invisible lips was a flat out what.

He heard another one of the spirits chiding the child in a most... peculiar way. The forlorn one could only wonder if the being loved to inflict pain on theirselves before going over and speaking in a very... suggestive manner which could be condoned as a threat which slightly made him shiver. Of course, the final offhand quote was what set him off on being momentarily paralyzed... the provocative, lewd suggestion in her final offhand comment. How could she be so... "impure" in a public place as this? Did some values degrade over time? Were they exhibitionists?

The thing that returned him to his unfazed state was an older mans words which the veiled wanderer also seemed to heed as his alternative was to debate their philosophical and ethical mindsets over a cup of tea versus going into the fray. While that was a commendable effort, Lux felt that even if you reigned superiority in a certain area, a hubris filled child like the one standing before them would always assume victory, even with the talk of differing perspectives.

That wasn't what he saw in the man that he respected; he respected how the man rigorously stood his ground, put his own views as a person to the fire and came out unscathed in his eyes. He became one of the three magnets; wise and understanding, his points in telling the child what he was lacking were items he could agree on, even taking from two stories in Lux's mind.

However, even in the end, nothing would break the child's fortitude who strutted around, babbling about a menagerie of excrement and how his victory would be in hand if they bothered coming for him. Bah, the seething words were nothing but a farce to Lux! In a way, the beautiful lady calling him out on the law had to be right. But even so...

Lux glanced at the others in the vicinity, those who stepped on their spirits like sheep, those who follow a fool to their doom. Who was to say he wouldn't utilize his followers like tools? Who was to say he didn't bribe himself to the top, or rather paid someone to "train" his familiars? That's what Lux disliked about people of his blood; you don't know if they earned their respective position, or were born into it and abused it.

...

With that said, the three voices he focused on within, two of their declarations pellucid and resolve; the other, whilst stirring in the chaos, he wrapped around, fully understanding their plights. He smirked as the droves of people departed from their respectable places, each one intending for respite from the coming challenges... and the child too, of course. Lux drove his hands into his pockets, scanning the respective area for any other possible quarries to his claim all while the wrapped mist stood behind him, waiting for the oh so enigmatic guy to speak up; he usually did around now.

"Such ignorance and impudence within the child, despondent and foaming! Clawing at the chains; his heel his hubris! Ye who say they are slaves... the child has bless them with more potential than he thinks," he chortled to himself at the comment, obscuring a part of his face with one fell swoop of his hand after completing it. He quietly smiled as the spirit floated around, staring at the maniac of a master, one word in mind.

"... what?"

Motioning a fist to clear his throat, the masked man erected a finger to the heavens, smiling brightly. "Hah, must I explain in the turns of lay once more?" With that, he paused for a second, collecting his thoughts as the spirit rotated his head slightly, emulating the way eyes roll.

"He who considers them merely tools in a way are slaves to a master," exclaiming proudly, before flipping his hand over while pointing at his spirit. "Who has more power? The slave or the m-"

"Enough prose," Gerald motioned his claw in the air, "Why would the slave herald more power than the master exactly?"

"Ah, well... come come, I shall explain such reasonable views, but come come, we must retreat for the night to some modest lodgings!" Lux began his departure, traversing away from the scene as he bobbed his head in the direction out of the area. The spirit merely glided to the boy behind him, again questioning his unusual rational.

"Such tools as he treats them are slaves, correct? Well, how can there be a so called master without slaves? Or rather, 'tools,' as the child would say. What would they control?" Emphasizing tools in a mocking manner. Extending a claw out, he began shaking it with the palm outwards as he began his quizzing.

"Nothing, of course; I see where you are going with this, but they come to acknowledge a hierarchy; how do they have more power than them?"

"Reasoning and learning, of course," he quickly retorted back, giving a sharp smile as he stared back at the faceless void. "There's a reason why I prefer to call you my equal as a companion and denote the contract as a partnership, not one of forceful control. The 'tools' learn such rational power, they have the ability to break both the contract and hierarchy. With that result, they form a new contract with a more kinder, understanding companion. They are the ones who control whether or not the master remains a master... and since you haven't chosen to abandon me yet, so that speaks millions of things for both of us."

His optimism was astonishing, but yet it didn't seem Lux quite understood how-

"Unless the process requires the consent of both parties, in which case..."

Or maybe he did.

Silence pervaded the two as they traversed to a tavern, though Lux had to stop momentarily. He made a few grumbling sounds, alongside with gagging and shaking his head. In confusion, Gerald rushed over to check on the boy who was keeled over, feet slowly crawling with each step before he erupted in full force. "Augh, such speech is not habitual to the mysterious Lux! Bah, a pox against such a unusually forceful way to speak! It inflames the recesses of my throat, chills my torso, electrifies my lips!"

And he was back to normal with his almost incoherent rambling. As Lux began talking regularly while heading to a tavern, myriads of things crossed Gerald's mind on the topic of 'tool' and master. Would such spirits like him in the audience and control of the noble boy be subjective to a harsh decorum of training until broken and obedient?

[Duoya]

@Legion02
@cloudystar

Samuel smiled in gratitude towards Okami. Since he no longer needed to sell his supplies, he could instead save them for the tower. Surely a camp would come in handy in a hostile area like that. The action meant a lot, especially after all the drama that occurred mere moments ago. As they walked toward the exit portal, Samuel saw the large man who had made him feel uneasy leave before them.

"Thank you very much for your consideration, Okami. In case you were wondering, my friend here is Alex. I offered to introduce him to the rest of our team. Considering half of them left... Well, no matter. Oh right, I haven't asked yet! How did your trial go? I didn't do so well but Alex was more than competent enough to compensate. But, now that I think about it... How did the officials watch us? Is that another ability the spirits possess?"

Turning to Alex, Samuel responded to this unfortunate prediction.

"Destiny is a funny thing. You never know how things will turn out. While it is clear he is our enemy now, I like to believe that their is just as much of a chance that we befriend him as their is a chance that we fight him. However, while self-confidence is good, their is a reason pride is a sin. I pray that boy considers his options carefully...

Samuel finished talking, but his mind began to race with questions. What even was the tower? Religion said that it was created long ago by mythical beings, but for what purpose? Surely not just to house the spirits - their was more than enough room for them, so their was no need to stuff them in such a small area.

The trio had just exited the portal, and it seemed like many of the shops and stalls were still around for business. A spirit that was fondling a bag of gold was calling out to no one in particular, seemingly unaware of how loud he was being. The town square was buzzing with activity and many people, from young smiling children to drunken old men, were engaging in the activities. Samuel gazed in wonder at all of them, pondering how so many people could be in one location.

Gabriel chose this moment to awaken, chirping for no particular reason. The birds awakening caused Samuel to look towards the sky, making him realize how low the sun was. Did I really go an entire day without any food? Hopefully, Okami's generosity extended to free meals... Or his family accepted payment in the form of tents and wooden tent anchors...



*YAWN*

Oh, I just had the most wonderful dream. Maidens as far as the eye could see...

Wait... where am I?

Oh, the area with many maidens and loud noises! I was hoping Master would have stayed here longer. I hope Master decides that we have had a long day, and deserve wine and women to wind down! ...Probably not, but it cant hurt to hope!

I wonder where my harem has gone? The winged vixen could not be far. After all, I did promise to teach her how to fly!

...

Maybe it was a good thing that she was not here... Wait, where is master even taking me?