[IC] God's Shattering [Concluded]

[Lucius Cypher]

Legion

It was just business as usual for the Golden Guardians in the city of Infinitum. Though perhaps this occasion was more unique due to the slight adjustment to the guard patrols: Quite a few where allowed to take the day off to celebrate the festival. A few were kept, and would be accommodated for their overtime, though even if they were few in numbers the city was still well protected. Because replacing the guardsmen who were allowed to take the day off were the Golden Guardian themselves. Normally there were ten in the city if Infinitum, working in pairs to ensure the law and order. But just for today there were twenty, allowing them to patrol a larger area to ensure that these feast goes undisturbed.

These angelic warriors walked the streets, flew through the skies, and always dealt with whatever troubles they could pick up. Their very presence was both unnerving and appreciated: everyone knew that the golden guardians would not hesitate to cut down a criminal once they draw their blades, but at the same time would protect and help them at a request. Being one of the more publicly available guardians gave the Legion a bit of a better reputation than some of the other guardians, though their aloof professionalism still kept the citizens at a distance.

Two Guardians were walking on foot through a particularly dangerous neighborhood (By citizen's standards). They were quite aware that most citizens would be out in the city enjoying the day, rather than staying here where thugs and vagabonds would congregate. But there was a reason the Guardians were here. The two headed straight towards an old building, with crumbling stonework and a moldy thatched roof. The guardians simply opened the door as the building was suppose to be vacant. But it was not. Inside were a surprised gang of men, who drew their weapons. But the fear in their eyes were apparent when they realized who had found them.

"Lower your weapons." One of the guardians commanded. The men dutifully did as told, slowly dropping their assortment of blades and bludgeons on the floor. The other guardian reached behind him and took out a set of scrolls. "Fear not. We know that you are part of an organization known as 'Keeners Crew'. You have been involved in unlawful vigilantism and extortion of the Infinitum citizens." Which wasn't wrong persay, but there was more to Keener's Crew than the Guardians would let on. They were a gang, sure, but they did their best to protect their neighborhood, and their "Extortion" was just them getting paid by their neighbors to provide protection they otherwise couldn't get. Not that anyone would speak up: if it were anyone else but the Golden Guardians themselves they would have had a fight.

"In light of your actions, we of the Legion have decided to extend an offer to Keener's Crew. You will cease your operations in this location and come with us to Midgar and undergo training as official guardsmen. You may refuse, but you must cease your operations regardless. If you do not comply this will result in an immediate responds." The leader of Keener's Crew was not even present, though that was intentional on the Golden Guardian's part. Where the leader could have potentially devised some way to weasel out of this deal, his underlings did not have such cunning. They were being forced to make a decision for their gang without their leader.

Ultimately they took the deal. Keener's Crew weren't bad guys and they did want to protect their neighborhood from the less savory influences, but many feared what would happen if they were gone for too long. While they weren't the only ones trying to protect their homes, without them maintaining a hold over their territory who knows who make take over. But that wasn't the Golden Guardian's concerns. Their job, or at least this one, was to disband the Keener Crew from taking the law into their own hands.

Meanwhile another two Golden Guardians were in a much more populated area where festival goers were eating, playing, and drinking in merriment. There were too many people for the guardians to walk by foot, and so they flew. Their golden halos on their shoulders and back glowed with a incandescent light, allowing them to shine even among the flashes of fireworks. No one seemed too perturbed by their presence, at least the ones who are being law-abiding citizens. These guardians did not have much to worry about aside from drunkards, though they dealt with them cordially. They knew their inebriation made them make bad decisions, from bothering the Golden Guardians with offerings of booze to mouthing off at them. The worse the guardians would do back to them was use their magic to "Heal" them of their alcohol-induced poison, forcefully sobering up any drunkard fool enough to bother them.

A child began to cry as he was lost among the crowd. He called out for his brother, but his voice was drowned out in the sea of people. When he thought all hope was lost, one of the guardians flew down to the boy. "Let's go find your family, okay?" The guardian gave the boy a smile, which at least made the child stop crying. Carefully putting the boy on the guardian's shoulders, he flew up into the air. This brought the boy great joy seeing everything from such a high vantage point, but also made him squeeze the guardian's head tightly, to prevent himself from falling. The guardian stayed in the general area looking for the young boy's brother. Soon he was found when one of the guardians were approached by a young man looking for his brother. The guardians reunited the two, and after receiving their thanks, went about their business.

Another pair of Golden Guardians stopped by a nearby guard outpost. It was fortunately not particularly busy, though this may change as the night goes on. One of the guardians carried a fairly heavy bag of tributes and offerings given to them by various citizens of the Infinitum. It was mostly snacks and drinks, with the occasional engraved cup or plate. The Guardians had no desire to partake, and instead chose to pass the gifts off to the nearest guard outpost. They approached from the air and noticed a lone, spear wielding guardsmen. They flew down towards him, staying a few feet above him. "Greetings guardsman. Are there others with you?"

@Awesomoman64

Syn Kor

Enjoying the festival like any other citizen of the Infinitum was Syn Kor, the strange orcish woman who also doubled as a teacher during her off times. Food, drink, company, all these things she enjoyed. At least until a little bird came along and passed along a message. She signed, finishing off her spiced wine before paying her tab. "Back to work..." Syn left the tavern she was in and headed towards the execution grounds.

Syn's task was simple: get the prisoners out of there. Most of aligned with the Librarian, thus they took priority over everyone else. Additionally, if Syn could stir up trouble while they were at it, all the better. But Syn needed to be fast and her destruction rampant: she knew there were more Golden Guardians then usual, and they'll be quick to respond. Not only that but the operation was being overseen by the Bloody Mary (Eleonor) herself, if Syn's sources are correct, which would leave her very little room to try anything heroic. Fortunately for her, Syn won't be risking her neck.

Once she found a fairly secluded area, Syn took out the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum. She summoned forth five demons and Eligos. Eligos bowed his head to his master while the other imps just stood their scratching themselves. "Alright here's the plan. You five, I want you to head to this location with torches, and light the place up." Taking out a map Syn showed the imps where they needed to go: various towers around the city where the fireworks were being shot out of. Each tower had enough to last the night... Or make a really big explosion all at once. "No killing. Or at least try not to, but more importantly I want you to light up all the string there, get out, and move to the next one. Once you're done go to here." Syn then pointed towards the execution grounds. Next she turned towards Eligos. "Eligos, you're with me. We're going to head to the execution grounds first and get ready to disrupt things there. I want the imps to already be blowing things up to divide the forces, while you and me free the prisoners. Your task is to defend me, because they'll be many powerful warriors there."

Once Syn made sure everyone understood their mission, she took out a scroll. But this wasn't any normal scroll: It was an experimental Tome Page she created. This scroll, though only once use, would allow her to use the ability of a different scroll. This one in particular was a glamour: It would disguise her as someone other than herself, though as an extra precaution she still put on a [url=disguise]disguise[/url] if/when her glamour breaks, considering the experimental nature of her scroll. Regardless she was ready as she'd ever be, so Syn and her demons separated and moved towards the specific destinations.

[TheWendil]

Student President Mariette Shej

---

“The curtain falls on the world….”

The voice was distant, a lingering passage in the wind, and not meant for the ears of those down below. A being sat perched atop the massive building that marked the Grand Citadel of the Imperium, the home of the almighty Imperator herself. The man in question wore a mask that served to conceal both identity and purpose. He watched the crowding festivities down below with unwavering eyes.

He was not alien to the people of the world, especially those who lived in the city of Infinitum. As the Imperator’s personal advisor, he oversaw all that transpired within the reign of the Imperium. He, the sole orchestrator behind the Knights of Ragnorak and their actions, was only a pawn of course in the Imperator’s games. A Jester to serve in the Court of his Superior.

A chuckle escaped the masked man before he soon vanished from sight. The preparations were nearly complete and her greatness would soon speak. The night was ripe for events to converge. Perhaps this time they would play out to be a little more….interesting?

Down below, a similar disposition was being held in the form of academic merit and scholarly worth. Located in the small café shop where Fei, Acerbus, and the Crimson Knight herself were to gather was a girl. Having waltzed around the small shop of sweets in the hopes of finding something delicious, she paused on her heels to glance over at the new approaches.

With a signature smirk, she twirled around deftly and walked right up to them. Well, well, students from her Academy? The infamous, hot-headed Fei and her mother no doubt…and was that little Acerbus too? Things were sure to get interesting soon after all.

“My, my, it’s good to see you both here,” the Student President said happily, bowing towards Asgard. “Ah, have we met Miss Asgard? My name is Mariette Shej, the Student President of the Academy. You see, it’s my job to make sure every student is well taken care of. But…oh my…”

Mariette paused, glancing over at the single male in the area. That would be Acerbus for anyone paying attention and the Student President crossed her arms behind her back and leaned in. A curious expression plagued her face before she was up and smiling again.

“Hmm, don’t tell me you were trying to flirt with the girls again Mister Invictus? You know it’s impolite to do so. Though seeing as you’re with Fei of all people, I can only assume that you two are, gasp! A couple? You must be! Oh this is joyous news! First a message by our very own Imperator and now this!”

Before Asgard could so much as react, the Student President was already grabbing both Fei’s and Acerbus’ arms and dancing around the shop, causing some customers to glance at the trio of students. Well then, it seemed that the Student President didn’t really get out much. That or she was a hapless romantic who liked to ship anyone that crossed her gaze.

“Hm. Oh, and Acerbus? You’re probably going to get written up for this,” Mariette added casually in her merriment. “After all, I’m sure you must have done something to irritate Miss Fei. Why else would her mother be here?”

But thankfully Mariette’s words were put on hold as suddenly the bells up high began to ring loudly. The world began to shake with thunderous applause and the crowds instinctively shushed themselves. The Student President finally let go of her fellow peer’s hands, smirking up at the high throne up above.

---

The Imperator

---

At long last, the Imperator arrived to grace all with her glory. Even to those who sought nothing but ill will towards her, they would take pause lest they risk discovery as an aura of sheer authority shined from the Imperator’s immaculate clothing and armor. Beside her, resting against a wall in the shadows with crossed arms, lay the Jester of the Court.

“Citizens of the Imperium, denizens of the world. Today is a most glorious day,” the Imperator said, her spoken voice booming out for all to hear. "Another year has gone by and another time has passed. Peace and prosperity has overtaken us once again. And for that, we rejoice.”

She waited for the murmurs and applause to subside before she continued with, “However, I am aware of those who would seek to rid us of our prosperous lifestyles. Words of revolution and liberation, followed by promises of violence and death. The barbaric Librarians. I implore all of you to turn your ears away from such filthy words. For while although the world is still Shattered, humanity has lived on.”

The Jester shifted only once, keeping his eyes trained on the Imperator. Of course, anyone with knowledge of the man knew that he could easily sense those that dared to defy these words. What little was known about the Jester was this: he appeared one day before the Imperator and ever since he has been by her side. The Tome he wielded was a strange one; one that many claimed had no true form. Some have stated that the silver book he carried would transform into a massive metal wing. Others state that it is perhaps a massive blade.

Whatever the case, no one could verify for sure. After all, any who dealt with the Imperator’s advisor usually ended up dead. Yet these thoughts surely weren’t the focus of tonight as the Imperator said, “To combat these growing heretics and warlords, the Imperium issues upon you all now, a mass hunt for treasure and glory.”

---

@The 42nd Gecko, @Vocab, @Flamelord, @Guilty Spark, @KoL, @McFazzer, @Savo, @BlueAjah, @BytheSpleen, @Awesomoman64, @Lucius Cypher

[The 42nd Gecko]

Měihóu Niángniang

"Oh, not at all, sweetie." Měihóu cheerily turned, offering them peaches from the basket. "Oh, of course not, heavens no." She laughs off the second question, seeming quite surprised. She bites into one of her own candied peaches, then mumbles around it, "Can't imagine anyone trying to get in at all."

At the mention of reinforcement party, Měihóu seemed to have an expression that would only be slightly more confused if Sienna had claimed to be the great beast reincarnated, returned from beyond the moon to lay devastation down upon the world. "Huh?"

As soon as her name was said, the confusion disappeared from Měihóu's face, instantly replaced with pain. "OW OW OW OW OW... Hate premature triggered recall.. So.. So much... Owww..." Leaning against a nearby wall and massaging her head furiously, Měihóu took in a sharp breath between gritted teeth. "You guys were really close to having your cover blown there. Protip, I change my memories to suit my current objective. The best lie is the truth." Regardless, she followed the two.

Then, as the Imperator began her speech, Měihóu gave a pause for a moment. She glanced in the direction of the Imperator, a slight shiver running down her back.

Then, taking out a peach from her basket before ditching it, she brought out her staff and gave it a good twirl. She tossed the peach into the air, before striking it with her staff to a loud crack that blended into the distant remains of the fireworks. It arced up into the sky far further than it had any right to.

Then she broke out into a run, "Keep up! If you can't, I'll be a peacock. :P" She stuck her tongue out, turning to look at the twins for a moment before sprinting forward further. She quite quickly parkour'd her way through a building, and by the time she had reached their mutual destination, she had transformed herself while out of sight into a flamboyantly dressed person in blue and white, peacock feather fan in hand, and was walking normally, not out of breath or sweating.

About one hundred and eight seconds after launch, a strangely transmuted peach would land precisely on the railing in front of the Imperator, if no one had tracked its progress through the sky and blocked it. Which, let's be honest, was most likely. It was light as a feather but hard as stone, and its precision of flight was preternatural.

It read in crude gray letters, "Monkey was here" next to a chibi stone monkey doing a peace sign.

Current Appearance

[Awesomoman64]

Jessi

After their surprise encounter with an Observer, the two guards were completely at a loss for words. Jessi on the other hand felt overwhelming pride. He looked at his dumbfound comrades and simply stated with a shrug, ”I warned you.” The mouthier of the two swore at Jess under his breath while the other one began to panic, “Y-you don’t think he'll actually report us do you? I mean he didn’t even get our names or anything. Maybe he was just trying to scare us?”

His fears became realized when out of the crowd their sergeant came up with a stern and very clearly angry look. “I just received some very disturbing news from an Observer.” They began their desperate attempts to apologize but were immediately silenced by the harsh words of their superior. “ZIP IT! I leave you for 5 minutes and you abandon your posts? Under normal circumstances I would have you both court marshaled, but considering it’s a special day, I’ll just leave you with a warning.” The guards each let out a sigh of relief, “But just so you’re not tempted, you’re both being reassigned to stand watch at the base. Now MOVE!”

The sergeant waved his hands to get the two moving, but spoke to Jessi before leaving, “Phalax, good work. If only all the men in our division had your resolve.” Jessi gave the sergeant a salute as he left then returned his gaze upon the masses searching for any danger.

It was not long after that, a Legion descended from the heavens and greeted the young guard, who promptly stood at attention to clone of the militaries high commander. ”Are there others with you? Jessi shook his head, ”No sir. There were two others but my sergeant took them back to base for reassignment.” He spoke loud and firm so that his superior would hear him over the sounds of merriment in the background, though the people had now given distance for the glorious golden figure now standing before them.

However, the noise before paled in comparison to the cheers and applause that came as the bells signifying that their omnipotent ruler was about to speak. And in an instant all sounds came to a halt so that her words could be heard across all of Infiniitum. As she finished her final words echoed in the back of Jessi's mind. A treasure hunt? How would that help in fighting the Librarians? Unless... Was she talking about the relics?

[Knight of Doom]

Zora Irving

Zora watched the snotty girl disappear into the crowd. Her fists clenched in rage and face bright red at the insulting words. However, the tattooed female slowly inhaled then exhaled. She stretched her fingers outwards, forcing the tension out of her muscles. With a now focused mind Zora turned her gaze back to the broken flowers. Her glance was only brief for she decided to go to the shops around Citadel to look for something to do.

The colorful stands around the city were covered in a multitude of small white lights. Every person standing around Zora seemed to be overflowing with happiness. But for some reason the nature child could not bring herself to feel the same way that they did. For some strange unforeseeable reason, she could not imagine in the slightest what could possibly make them happy in this situation. It was a strange sensation. As if everything around her was living in a delusion of their own design, but she had managed to break out. It was like viewing a 2D object in the 3D realm of perception. To her, the thought of being in a secluded part of nature, where no man had ever set foot, that was happiness.

Zora woke up from her trance of thought when A rather tall male slammed against her shoulder while passing by her. All the while muttering profanity at the daydreaming child. Soon her thoughts came back to the present. Realizing that she had no friends to comfort her, no family to consult, Zora bit down on her lower lip. Trying desperately to relieve herself of the thoughts that filled her mind, she made her way to the nearest attraction. It happened to be selling beautiful silver jewelry. In awe, the brunette gently let her fingers brush over the intricately designed metal. The shopkeeper spoke up asking what she was looking for, but there was nothing she was looking for particularly. When she looked at all of the pieces separately, Zora spotted a simple design of a dragon. “May I have this one?” She asked, beaming at the old, grey man. After a quick exchange, the silver pendant sat in the pocket of her jeans. Now, Zora's footsteps were deliberate as they carried her towards the Academy.

[BlueAjah]

Fei

@Savo@KoL@TheWindel

Fei anxiously waited for Acerbus’s reply, waited for her mother to pummel him to the floor for even daring to look at her, waited for the much needed punching bag. She didn’t expect the words that came out of her mother’s mouth, however.

"I'm sorry for not noticing it before, I'll have to leave soon, so please stay with us and take care of Fei once I do. However, for the time being there's place I'd like to go,” Eleanor said before leading them to a cafe. For the first time in her life, Fei was speechless. There was no one Fei loved more than her mother, that was a fact. But… She thought that she and this wanna-be Nifilhiem were an item? How could she possibly think someone like him could possibly be with someone of her standards?

As Fei reluctantly followed her mother, she scowled at Acerbus. There was no way he was walking away from this carnival alive. “You’re so dead,” She breathed under her breath, quiet enough so her mother couldn’t overhear. The only thing that was stopping Fei from frying the toothpick alive was her mother. While the situation was absolutely mortifying, there was no way she wanted to disappoint her. And if that meant… Fei shuddered. If that meant pretending to be friendly with some bookworm, she would do it. But oh how he would burn tomorrow. Fei could already see the flames light up in her eyes.

Things just got worse from there. The group entered the cafe shop only to find the student body president of the academy, Mariette Shej. She was the only girl at the entire school that even came close to gaining Fei’s respect. Close, anyway. Sighing, she flipped her blazing hair. Fei cursed under her breath as Mariette went on about the two being a couple and grabbed the two of their arms. Being caught with Acerbus and her mother in front of their school president was not something she wanted to follow her throughout the school hallways. This was simply going too far and Fei had quite enough of pretending tonight.

All she had wanted to do tonight was to spend it with her mother! Why couldn’t anyone understand that? A red light burned brightly beneath her shirt and she could feel her hair start to light with fire as well. She. Had. Enough. Just before the boils of hatred within Fei could unleash, a thundering echo of bells rang out across the carnival. It was enough to simmer the flame inside Fei. No one would cause trouble while the Imperator spoke, not even Fei. Whenever the leader talked, it was time to listen and show respect. Very few people could get Fei to simmer down, the Imperator being one of them. Although she would never admit it, Fei was quite fond of the sophisticated and powerful booming voice of the imperator. She hoped one day to give speeches just as the Imperator.

A small round object caught Fei’s attention as it flew through the air toward… the Imperator. A gasp escaped Fei’s mouth. She didn’t even need training to tell her that the strange object wasn’t good. It was too dangerous and risky to shoot fire at it but running was futile, she’d never make it in time. Fei glanced back to her mother, hoping for the answer.

[Savo]

-Acerbus Invictus : Infinitum-

At this discrepant phase in his life, Acerbus expected himself to excuse himself after such a conundrum to avert being inquired further by Feis mother. That way, the bespectacled teen would elude not only being ensnared even further by such trickery, but so he could seek his sister and companions. He shifted uncomfortably as he surveyed the area for any indication of Bellus or Novus, but the souls he was staring at intercepted such identification. The crowd still resonated with their deafening cheers, and distracting cackles as he continued to endure this predicament longer than expected.

Of course, the lingering Asgard left a feeble doubt within the boy. Acerbus could only ponder what Fei's mother was contemplating on as mere seconds turned into a waking nightmare of hours on end. The boy glared at the notorious red-head girl, who tormented others and trekked down an isolated path, with a piercing stare that surely could perform a wicked deed. To others, it would appear as if he was analyzing the girl delicately.

The complications were about to revel in the limelight as Asgard returned her stoic gaze to her daughter, and the bespectacled boy. Blinking once, he felt a tiny trickle of sweat on the side of his face, hidden due to the snowy hair. In a few seconds, her judgement would be apparent, and Acerbus could only steady himself for the next words or action that might be undertook. The pressure made his senses much more keen as this whole spiel was a sheer, volatile hazard.

Of course, what peculiar ideas she spoke of dumbfounded him, and for a second, his neutral face expressed a sense of bewilderment. Acerbus' jaw dropped a few centimeters as if to question a senile being, his right eyelid convulsed for a second and could effortlessly be overlooked and go unnoticed. It barely lived long enough to express that something was amiss and he returned to his stoic, unwavering demeanor. Part of him was jovial that he would not get cleaved this night, however, something else lingered at the back of the mind that left the teen perplexed.

Acerbus scanned Asgard's words, each of them displaying a certain tone of... endearment? It was... puzzling to wonder what she was thinking and began theorizing the bloody woman's impressions she procured from such an arrangement of two students who detested each other... at this very moment, he began to realize what she was talking about. Acerbus just wanted to deny her right there, but kept his mouth sealed once finished. He could scarcely glimpse at the suggestion she believed in, and came to the conclusion that this evening was not going to end well for him.

At this point, he could only endure what would transpire next as Fei's mother shipped the incomparable two together. Acerbus was fairly certain, out of the sheer audacity about this happening that his nails were slowly digging into the leather, engraving emotions of negativity... however, he stood there, solid as a tin soldier, and waiting for what else may befall the duo... and the more he analyzed it, the more he came to realize that he screwed himself over.

"... I might of jeopardized Croceus and mother's career through conversing with Asgard's daughter over her the topic of her daughter displaying a pompous attitude! Oh woe is me... My sour fate fails to withdraw; I denounce today, and implore that the next will have a more positive conclusion..." As his thoughts shivered and lashed out in animosity, he was wrought from his trance when Asgard beckoned the flowering "couple" to take after her. Where the mighty woman was leading them, Acerbus couldn't tell, but he was certain that something was brewing.

As he walked carefully, as if the pavement beneath him felt measly and would crumble from a simple sneeze. Acerbus tore open his book once more as they followed, procuring information over Rexicorg and someones recounting of a beast they encountered lurking within the labyrinth. This imparted knowledge seemed to lean towards fiction, rather than fact for the studious teen. Of course, he heard the curse of the red head near him, barely making out what she uttered. Rolling his eyes, he continued to procure info on the mysteries of Rexicorg, along with more information over it's geography.

Eventually, they arrived at their destination, and Acerbus retired the book out of nothing but respect. However, he caught sight of a bouncing brunette skipping towards the trio, with a benign gleam in her eyes. She politely went through introductions over who she was, however, he could easily identify such a quirky, hapless girl swiftly... "... Mariette," he uttered under his breath, staring at the girl who was now... ogling him, and...

...

Acerbus was positive that after this evening, rumors would circulate around the academy how two of the best students were together, despite being... polar opposites. Wildfire was quivering on the horizon, and it wasn't because of Fei's severe case of heartburn this time... before she sloughed away all Acerbus' doubts, making him glad that she wasn't glimpsing at the idea of Fei and him as lovers... or, just, made it less... apparent.

Rolling his eyes, he warranted a swift, cool response after such an excited, bouncy thought she unleashed. "For the last time, Novus is my sister, and Bellus is an effeminate gu... yee..." And then gloom overtook the boys senses as his sentence came to an abrupt stop. Acerbus shook his head to display that it wasn't the case, but alas, it feel on deaf ears as Mariette swiftly latched onto both of them.

In one deft flick, Acerbus and Fei were rounded into a peculiar dance, which warranted looks of the customers as Mariette absentmindedly squealed with delight. Acerbus' grip slipped, and the book he was heralding flew a few feet away from the boy as they continued to bounce around. The troubled shade flickered in forced enjoyment as the teen toiled away at being "coerced" into a dance by one of his peers.

Eventually, a sound emanated from the tolling bells overhead. Released, the boy quickly picked up his book and brushed it off before staying attentive at the sign of the Imperator herself. The crowds instinctively became naught but a quiet shadow as she began her deliverance to the audience encompassing the area. He imposing voice echoed in the silence of the city. It started off basic, but was still enamoring to the crowds based on the strength she displayed to keep this bastion together.

Eventually, she continued, dismissing the Librarians as terrorists who wished to shatter the realms prosperous lifestyle. That was blatantly obvious from the rumors and news propagated and distributed to the general populace and the students. What they were after was a mystery to him, and why they wished to sink the world they lived within into chaos and anarchy. However, there was something ominous about the next passage which made him question how disastrous the Librarians could possibly be.

The Imperator announced that there would be a mass treasure hunt, but for what exactly? Even though he respected the woman, the counter to the widespread case of terror was seeking possibly more gold for the whole estate? There was something amiss here, and frankly, he did not enjoy the enigma of being told it was a quest for riches since that realm of logic didn't make sense... There was had to be something more as he was plenty sure that bribes would not affect the Librarians disposition against the people. Acerbus' face leaned in closer, his astute eyes blinking once as he anxiously awaited her next announcement.

As the gears within labored for information, he caught something out of the corner of his eye within the sky. He noticed it soaring towards... something. All senses told him to follow the object, but lets be honest here - do you look at where the thing was about to land instead of inquiring and pursuing the subject who launched the item? He removed his neutral gaze from the Imperator, adjusted his glasses, and observed the crowd for any suspicious movements. If there was a shift, request Asgard or a fellow Knight of Ragnarok to pursue that, not the flying distraction.

[Flamelord]

Alex had made his way near one of the wings of the castle, by an open air garden that also had some sort of miniature hedge maze inside, which would serve as a suitable obstruction for the guards watching the place. Not perfect, of course, but good enough to get closer to the Citadel than he might otherwise have gotten. Which was good for him, and he had spent some time loitering and observing guard patterns, to find the perfect opportunity.

Really, this was a stupid decision. He hadn't done any major prep work, and who knew what sorts of defenses were inside? For a day like this there could be a veritable army in wait, and it wasn't as if he had something related to invisibility, or backup. Going alone into the Citadel was a suicide mission, as anyone would be able to tell him without a second thought.

Still, he had to do it, at least in his mind. He had come this far, and there would be no turning back for him. If he succeeded then he would be legendary, a folk figure to hold the imagination, even if it ended up getting him arrested or killed. At the very least he would be known and remembered, and that was what he wanted. Compared to that, the actual physical outcome would be nothing.

Before he could move, the Imperator arrived.

His gaze was held in place by an aura of sheer authority that radiated from her, casting foolishness on his idea. He planned to rob from her?!? He had to be insane. Yet he couldn't help but notice how everyone watched her as she spoke, decrying the Librarian and voicing their peace and prosperity. He could really care less about the Librarian, but the fact that no one was paying attention was interesting.

Then her words registered, earning a grin on his part as the crowd exploded into murmurs of confusion. A treasure hunt? He could get behind that.

But now, while everyone's attention was on the Imperator, it was time to move! He wouldn't get a better opportunity. So with a quick gesture and word he activated his tome, wooden escrima sticks slid into his grip. With them ready he jumped, making a quick wave with his Tome. After a second he could feel a platform of solid air materialize, pushing him up and forward as he spanned the distance from the ground to the open window. He bent, curled, and cleared the opening present with nary a hitch.

Landing in a roll, he glanced around the small study that he was now in. He'd made it inside the Citadel itself, something that sent a thrill through him. He was here, and he was doing it. Rising, he brushed himself off and stepped to the door, peeking out before moving stealthily into the hallway outside. Now then, time to get to work and see if he could find something interesting. It was now or never.

[KoL]

Infinitum

Asgard

"So, you are the Student Council President? I have to thank for looking after Fei." Eleonor said to Mariette just a few moments before the joyous girl guided both Acerbus and Fei through an excited revelry. Eleonor observed quietly, though she had the faintest of smiles in her lips, since she was glad that Fei had some good friends that she could rely on.

Just like... Eleonor was back then.

As sudden as her smile had come, so did Eleonor covered her face with hand while squeezing her temples, trying to shake off the pain of memories that she thought she had buried long ago coming back to haunt her. Memories of a massacre that Eleonor will never forget, memories of...

—The Massacre of Bucuresti—

Hider

It was a cold and rainy day on the isolated country of Warovia, whose lands had fallen under the gaze of the Imperium for their high reserves of unexplored resources. After many attempts by the Imperium of peacefully negotiate the acquisition of said lands, which had all been met with the same fate, the Imperial emissaries heads sent back the the Imperator on a spike, courtesy of Warovia's former ruler, even the Imperator's good will was exhausted. Those resources were needed to ensure the prosperity of the Imperium and so an ultimatum was issued.

"Surrender peacefully and join the Imperium, or be crushed under its might."

It's not necessary to comment what was the choice of the man known as The Impaler of Warovia for its sheer cruelty and bloodthirst, perhaps far too literally given the abilities of his dark tome, Vladimir. Thus, the Imperium sent a shard its force to crush the insane dictator once and for all, freeing the people of Warovia of their unending nightmare.

Among those forces, was the recently assigned light infantry and scouting squad lead by none other than a younger Eleonor, who at that time was still a brash and fiery idealist, much like her unborn daughter would come to be. In fact, despite Eleonor's lack of knowledge, her child had already been conceived at that time, fruit of the relationship forced upon Eleonor by her former commander.

Anyway, what followed as soon as Eleonor's squad had set foot in the lands of Warovia was nothing short of a nightmare. Steep cliffs, rapids, mazes of forests and caves, vicious wild life —both mundane and magical— and everything else that one can name as dangerous, Warovia had it all. Add to that the constant ambushes of the under armed, but crafty militia to get a picture of what Eleonor and her men had to overcome.

Even then, Eleonor was successful in guiding her troops through the deadly trap and arrive at Warovia's capital, the ancient fortress-city of Bucuresti and... it was then that it began.

"The rivers will run red..."

The Impaler said and so it was. With the blood of friend and foe, humans and beasts, Bucuresti became an open air slaughterhouse, Eleonor's squad had succeed in breaking through it and reaching the lair of the beast himself,leaving their own blood trail on the halls of the Impaler's castle, disposing of even his only daughter who was famed to have a heart as black as that of the man who sired her.

The battle was too much much for them to handle, the Impaler was empowered by the sacrifice of hundreds, if not thousands, no man could ever hope to fell that abomination. Eleonor's squad fell, one by one, while safeguarding the life of the commander who had done everything she could to ensure their safety.

With all hope lost Eleonor's heart was crushed by the loss of her squad, the ones she cared for as if she were their older sister. However, it wasn't her time to join them yet. When the Impaler's spear was about to pierce Eleonor's heart, she heard the monster's body hitting the pool of blood where she laid and besides her...

"Lord Asgard... why?"

Was the crippled form of the previous Crimson Knight, one more of those who had perished in the battle against the Impaler, but forged on for long enough to kill the beast with the very same spear that transfixed his heart. It was then that Eleonor heard it, the tome, Vladimir's voice calling her to ditch her old self and be drenched in the blood of countless victims, if what she wanted was to make justice for for this days massacre.

"Only blood can wash off blood, I'm but a tool, make of me whatever your heart desires..."

And so was it that Eleonor marched back to the Citadel with the Impaler's head in one hand and Vladimir on the other and knelt down before the Imperator herself, to face whatever fate had reserved for her.

Just at that time, as if she had sensed the turmoil within her vassal's mind, the Imperator's voice sounded through the whole of Infinitum and beyond, bringing the words of change that would guide them towards a new and brighter future, free of the looming shadow known as the Librarians. Perhaps even to a world where Eleonor wouldn't have perform her grim task. Talking about tasks, the Crimson Knight noticed the object flying towards the Imperator, but contrary to everyone, she didn't fret or even feared. The Imperator had many defenses around her at every second and Yggdrasil never left her side, if he wasn't ordered expressly by the Imperator herself, thus there was nothing to fear of a mere rock, or whatever was it that the object was.

What concerned Eleonor now, was the task she had to do and the fact that the appointed time came much faster than she wished to, leaving her no chance to enjoy the gay evening with her daughter. "Fei, I'm sorry, but I have to go. It's almost time for me to... for my task. You should enjoy the night while you are young." The Crimson Knight, then stepped in front of Fei and placed a hand on her shoulder, as if she were too afraid, or embarrassed, to give Fei a proper hug.

"I almost forgot to say," Eleonor said just as she was about to leave " like Her Holiness said, there had been some changes on the Imperium's plans, so I'll be staying at the capital for some time. I'll be waiting for you back home, Fei. Make sure to invite your... friends as well." With that said, Eleonor waited to see if any of the children had anything more to say and then, finally left to the execution square, where the prisoners where being brought to, right about now.

@Savo@BlueAjah@TheWindel

※ ※ ※

Emilia

Emilia continued to run at a light pace until she reached a dead end alley, right behind the Purple Falcon inn, where she waited for Ciryn with a beautiful yet sinister smile in her fine lips, while holding her doll behind her like a playful infant "Hahahaha... I didn't thought that you would come after me, but you are so pretty that I couldn't help but try." she said, as soon as he caught up with her.

"It's a joy to meet you. I'm Orihime Tokisada, daughter of a merchant from the far east." Emilia curtsied using one hand while cradling her doll with her other. In fact, what she said weren't lies at all, though it was unnecessary to mention the fact that she controlled the merchant who played her adoptive father. "Now then, shall we begin our game?"

Just as Emilia said that, the Imperator began her speech and even the dark-hearted girl fell silent. Not become she cared for the whines of the Imperial Bitch, but because she knew that her newest toy did and she didn't wanted to break him before he gave her the entertainment that she sought.

No, that would have been the worst case scenario... what Emilia wanted was to bleed such a precious young boy dry. To behold all the faces that he would do when Emilia defiled him in all the ways that she dreamed of doing when she finally found someone that suited her tastes. Emilia wanted to make Ciryn hers, and hers only to do whatever she wished... to be her most precious puppet. The mere thought of such things made Emilia's heart burst out in dark flames as she stood there, staring at Ciryn with her dark smile, waiting for his answer to her question.

@Guilty Spark

※ ※ ※

Linea & Sienna

"Hey, hold your horses, Serys, it looks like you've been runnin' from a pack of wild dogs." Sienna said just as Sierra arrived at the meeting place "All we've been doin' is hang 'round monkey girl, it's not like we're in a rush."

"Drink this, it'll invigorate you." Linea offered a cup of sweet chamomile tea to Sierra.

"Anyway, now that you're here, we ca discuss our plans for tonight's excursion. Don't worry 'bout being overheard, everyone here knows their way around a library." To that, the tavern master twitched his mustache, confirming that indeed that tavern was a Librarian hideout, right under the shade of the Imperium's mighty Citadel. Such brashness went unnoticed even for the all powerful Knights of Ragnarok, proving that the Librarian was the one bound to have the last laugh on this conflict.

"We are going access the Citadel's maze through the city's underground waterway. A basic dungeon crawl that's a child's play when compared to Rexicorg." Linea placed a holographic map of Infinitum's underground passages over the table so that Sienna could demonstrate their plan graphically.

Once they were done with their presentation, the Aquarian sisters put away the map and got up from their seats. "I guess it's 'bout time we should be goin'," Sienna said as she stretched her body like a cat and slung her sword over her shoulder.

"Likewise, while we have time." Linea complimented her sister's speech as she fastened the belt that supported both her tome and rapier and stood by the door waiting for Meihou and Sierra alongside her Sienna.

@The 42nd Gecko@Vocab

[BytheSpleen]

Alexandria

“To combat these growing heretics and warlords, the Imperium issues upon you all now, a mass hunt for treasure and glory.”

As the dancing slowly wilted into a close, Alexandria (among her newly-befriended pilgrims and travelers) held her gaze on a flickering fire, so fickle to change in direction despite the lack of wind to direct it. The Imperator had spoken, and usually, whenever a directive came, an opportunity was about to come into fruition.

By the meaning of opportunity, it could have very well meant a place of power or a sum of wealth. Either could bring her family in from the harsh world outside.

As the murmurs and clamors began to wax and grow, Alexandria found her legs carrying her slightly faster and faster through the streets. Even so, she could see the shadows of other people, most likely other students, flit through the cobble and air like ravenous bats. She wasn't the only one heading towards the Academy, so it would seem.

Pandora, which hung slung at her waist, glowed as Alexandria grasped the tome. As it was almost ripped from its holster, the ancient writing shone like the stars in the night, and in a flash, it became a tall 6-foot rod. With this, Alexandria went onto a full-on sprint, and grasped the end of her staff. With a jump and a thrust, she lifted the other end to a ledge of a single-story building.

A spark here...

And a flash there, up ahead...

And there she was, wriggling her arms desperately for balance. Fingers grasped at empty air, and the balls of her feet mashed as hard as they could into the roof's tiles for any traction. With a yelp, she finally flung herself forwards, almost planting her face into the roof.

She'd have to rinse the dirt off her forearms later.

Teleporting, even by the short distance of six feet, was still an all-too unnerving experience in terms of vertical travel, but even for this, Alexandria could not, would not stop. She could see the high-rise shadow and its flying buttresses already surpassing the height of most other castles. The Academy was waiting for her.

And so she ran. The rooftops, though mostly off-limits during her stay here in the Imperium, were just like any other platform to traverse. Here, Pandora really had its uses with the teleportation. For many people enjoying the festivities below, sparks would shower over them. For the few that cared little for murdering heretics and warlords for the Imperium, the little gold comet would be a subject of discussion for a few more days.

Hopefully, Alexandria wasn't causing any disturbances, though that might be hardly the case if she ever came across the Legion. At the very least, she would be getting reprimanded. At most...

...Alexandria took a pause half a mile away from the Academy's grounds, just to shudder. Manual labor, etiquette classes, or worse yet, an elimination of a time slot for dedicated law studies.

That would certainly leave a mark on her records.

[Guilty Spark]

Infinitum

Ciryn continued to carefully cut a path through the boisterous citizenry with his crimson cloak. He was in no hurry, the foul aura of his target drew his gaze like a moth to flame as he pursued her, hand clutching the hilt of his sword in a white-knuckled grip. He turned the next street corner in time to catch sight of her slipping into an alley. He glanced nervously behind him, afraid of being late for his assignment. It only then occurred to him that this girl might be in league with the Librarian, to draw him away from his post. If that was her intent, it might already be too late.

Steeling himself for whatever awaited him, he strode forward and turned the corner, baring an inch of steel from his blade. He was unsurprised to find her waiting, his eyes had told him that much, but now that he got a closer look at her he was startled at what he saw. How can these… dark… emotions be coming from her? Her façade of child-like innocence was quickly fractured as she spoke, the torrent of malign emotions swelling as she laid eyes on him.

Her words sent chills down Ciryn’s spine. This was no child, he didn’t know it was, but he didn’t want any part of the games she wished to play. He staggered back, clearly in the grip of fear, removing his spectacles to rid himself of the visions enveloping her. Still, he was hesitant to draw his blade in the face of a child. At that moment, as if through some divine percipience, the Imperator’s voice cut through the babble of the city and, to an extent, settled Ciryn’s mind.

With the end of the Imperator’s speech he knew the prisoner’s would be marched out to their execution, which he was to have a part in. He had no time, or desire to investigate this further, so he abandoned dignity and turned to run.

@KoL

[TheWendil]

The Imperator

---

The Imperator raised an eye in slight interest. That was all of the concern she would show towards the flying object thrown at her. Closer inspection would reveal the item to be a candied peach, of all things. The airborne fruit continued to hurl before suddenly freezing in its place, halting its arc in the sky. Then, it immediately plopped towards the earth below, all motion robbed of it.

The Imperator glanced over just once to the masked man standing to the side before stepping forward. She understood that there were those who thought differently than her, no, than the Imperium. But if they were not going to settle things through a more civil display, then why should she lend them her ears? Still, a small action such as that could be seen as the spark to a longtime campaign of rebellion and defiance.

“Citizens of the world. Hear my voice. As of this moment in time, the mass treasure hunt has begun! Sharpen your wills, broaden your minds, and go forward for that which will grant you riches and praise among the Imperium and your peers! To the ends of the earth, find the Seven Legend Relics! For all people to know your name!”

The massive applause concluded the Imperator’s appearance and she soon turned away from the crowds down below. What was done was done though she would need to discuss future plans with her four Knight of Ragnorak. The Jester of the Court took one last look at the city beneath before he too faded away into the darkness.

---

Student President Mariette Shej

---

“Well isn’t that unexpected. A mass treasure hunt? At least it gives us students something to research about,” said Mariette with joy as she turned back to Fei and Acerbus. “It was a good thing the Jester was there to spare our great Imperator from such a shameful fate. Ah, isn’t he so cool?”

It was little surprise to anyone to hear such words from Mariette. After all, the Student President was borderline obsessed with the masked man, even going as far as to fund and lead a fan club after him. Of course, most students would equate the “club’s” activities as more along the lines of a cult. But everyone had their obsessions and it provided no real harm to anyone else.

“Hmm. Well I guess I’ll catch you two later then,” Mariette said, bowing to Asgard before soon skipping away. “Have fun you two love birds! Try not to make it so public next time too. I can’t ensure the school papers won’t pick it up!”

---

@The 42nd Gecko, @Guilty Spark, @KoL, @Savo, @BlueAjah

[BlueAjah]

Fei

@Savo@KoL@TheWindel

Fei knew it before her mother spoke that she was leaving. A mere ten minutes they had spent together. There was still so much for them to discuss and now...Fei wouldn’t get to for another few months. Tears threatened to come crashing down her already pale face, but Fei refused to cry here, in front of her mother. Her eyes sparkled with fierce passion and love as her mother grasped onto her shoulder. While their relationship had never been full of hugs and kisses, the two loved each other more than anyone else. It didn’t matter that other people thought poorly of her or were jealous at times. All that mattered to Fei, all that would ever matter to her, was her mother.

As all hope seemed lost, Eleonor made one last comment that changed Fei’s entire mood. Not only was her mother staying in town for a while but she was inviting Fei to come over. She pretended she didn’t hear the comment about her ‘friends’ though. Color returned to Fei’s cheeks as her mother walked off into the masses of people. Eleonor would be back soon and for the first time ever, Fei knew it was true.

Fei’s ears perked up as the voice of the Imperator mentioned a treasure hunt. It seemed fate wasn’t as cruel as she had thought it to be. Finding the legendary seven relics? It had Fei’s name written all over it. Who better to find such powerful creations than the daughter of one of the Knights of Ragnorak? Fei’s lips spread into a wicked grin. It was time to prove to her mother that she was worthy of being her daughter. All of her training and dedication had been leading up for a moment just like this.

Not even the school president’s callow comment could distract Fei now. No, nothing was going to stop her. Forgetting everything and everyone around her, Fei began the long walk back to the academy. While the night was late and her eyes begged for mercy, she had no intention of falling asleep. All of this adrenaline in her body wouldn’t go to waste, she would train. She would train until her limbs bled. She would make her mother proud, and not a single thing could distract her.

[The 42nd Gecko]

Měihóu Niángniang

Current Appearance

"Whatever, I'm down. Best leave now as you said, the Imperator keeps her speeches relatively short. So, I suppose there could be worse rulers." Měihóu struts a little into the conversation, ending with a little flash of impudent tongue before hiding it behind her fan. She followed the sisters up.

"Lead on, I relish the challenge."

As they walked, Měihóu leaned in close between the two of them, "So... Just wondering, but do you two come as a pair? I'm wondering, cause on the one hand, you've got very different speech patterns, not that I have anything against variety." She flourished her fan to present her new body, "Buuut you've also got the whole perfectly complimenting trains of thought." She glanced at each of them in turn.

"Sooo?" The nudge nudge may have been left out, but the wink wink was certainly there, and Měihóu was not a great respecter of personal space, even if she refrained from actual touch.

@KoL@Vocab

[Lucius Cypher]

Rainer

"Whew..." Rainer leaned back into his chair, taking a sip of his coffee. He's been working these past five hours gathering information on behalf of the Imperium, as he's wont to do, while at the same time over viewing the data collected by his employees. On paper this was a simple task: basically he just needs to read reports, compare them to other reports, and verify what is and isn't true. But things are more complicated when he has 50 different reports from agents on the field who witnessed the same events, some which are similar, others which have great discrepancies. Investigations have to be done. People interviewed. Occasionally, Rainer has to make a personal appearance to verify the truth. Sometimes he learns more than he wants, like who among his employees are spies for other organizations, or for the Librarian. Rainer had been noticing that he's had many spies in his network as of late, and dealt with them accordingly.

There was also the matter of managing his estate back at home. Taxes needed to be compiled and there was always new citizens which needed his verification. He tried to delegate this task to his wife, but the politics in his city demands his approval... Or for one of his advisers to take on the responsibility and power instead. A delicate balancing act of being a benevolent ruler to his people, and a savvy one to his advisers. He's well aware that the most vocal adviser who wants to oversee citizenship wants a greater number of nonhuman residents. Rainer would agree, but his adviser intends to increase the number of nonhuman by decrease the amount of human residents accepted. And currently Rainer's city of Azroth was 87% human, with a 7% of new citizens added to the total population yearly. If he let his adviser take over however, the amount of nonhuman accepted into the city will increase by 11%, but the increase in new human citizens would go down to 2%.

Then there was the budget. As a territory of the Imperium Rainer doesn't need his own military budget, as he could rely on the Imperium to protect his city. But he likes his independence and thus funds his own army for his city-state. While their numbers are barely 10% of what the Imperium has, their equipment and training equals their, if not more thanks to the unique individual abilities of his soldiers, rather than relying on the likes of Legion to provide the training and manpower of the army. Of course the loyalist of the Imperium do not agree to Azroth maintaining it's own military, seeing that the money could go into community restoration projects or education efforts instead.

These were just a few of the issues on Rainer's mind at the moment as he took a break from his work. An intern entered mentioning that Rainer should take a break. "Reading my mind aren't you? Heh. Yeah... I'll be out for ten minutes." Getting up from his chair Rainer walked outside his complex inside the citadel.

Rainer, and by extension the entire Nifilhiem, had their own section within the Citadel. As expected their task is to keep track and catalog everything that happens in the city, from basic things like dates and finances, to state secrets and classified information. That sort of information was always hidden deeper within the Nifilhiem, accessible only to Rainer and the Imperator. And even the Imperator would need to know how Rainer gains access, as he often changes the methods every month for security reasons. Compared to the others the Nifilhiem is smaller, but much more active. Rarely would anyone who works with the Intelligence Division go anywhere but straight to the Citadel, baring a few individuals. Thus while their department was smaller, it was comfortable and provided amenities to keep the employees content. Plenty of facilities to accommodate their needs, positive lighting and decor, and ambient music to set the mood. Plus employees had special goggles/headphones that allow them to communicate with others wearing the headset and take pictures of things they see. They even get to keep them, as a symbol of their occupation.

Rainer himself was just going to go for a walk. He wished he could have had at least an hour to go eat lunch, perhaps read a few pages from his book, and chat with someone, but alas his work was far from finished. And the sooner he was done the better. He wanted to go to the festival too. To make his relaxation easier Rainer also refrained from walking; he enjoyed using Azure Grimore for petty things, like levitating himself so he didn't need to walk. He was in fact reclining in the air just wandering aimlessly. That's when he turned a corner and immediately spotted a stranger.

"Oh?"

@Flamelord

Legion

One of the Legion was going to speak when the Imperator arrived. Both of the Legion watched the Imperator as she gave her speech, and they all noticed the peach flying towards her. While they knew the Imperator would be just fine, it was heresy to do such a thing in the presence of the Imperator, more so when she herself is the target. The Legion acted quickly, creating a single squad of six to find the one who dared defy their empress in such a way.

After the Imperator finished her speech one of the Legon dropped off the offerings he had. "I see. On behalf of Midgard, we of the Legion would like to present these gifts to you. Do with them as you wish. We must remained vigilant and ensure that no crime occurs during the celebrations. Remember that your duty is to protect the citizens of the Imperium from harm." Then the other warrior of the Legion spoke, taking out a sweet bun from a box, handing it to the guardsman. "And lighten up a little. Nothing wrong with having a snack on the job. But just one." Just then, there was an explosion at one of the towers nearby. It was one of the towers containing fireworks, and it was a big explosion. As the closest, the Legion needed to investigate.

"We need to check that out. You there! When your Sargent returns, we want you to come and investigate those explosions. Bring only a few. We will go on ahead and minimize the destruction." Once more the Legion's halos glowed with blinding light, and they flew off to investigate the explosions.

The squad looking for the heretic was also hard at work. They judged that from the trajectory of the peach, it must have come from one of the rooftops. Fortuantely for the Legion, most of the rooftops were off-limit to common citizens, aside from a few restaurants who specifically use their rooftops for scenic dining areas. Thus, thanks to their flight, it wouldn't be particularly difficult for them to find the possible suspects. And soon they found someone. The squad first noticed a lone girl seemingly teleporting across the rooftops towards the Academy. only two of the Legion went to give chase, while the other four split off into pairs to corner the girl.

" STOP RIGHT THERE, CRIMINAL SCUM!" Shouted in a booming voice.

@BytheSpleen@Awesomoman64

[Flamelord]

Alex inwardly smirked as he walked along, stopping to glance around corners before he proceeded onwards through the well decorated halls of the Citadel. It was a nice place, he would give it that, but that was to be expected. It was the Citadel after all, and they would only have the lap of luxury here. That made it the perfectly place to borrow things from, since there was just so much to choose from!

Still, he wouldn't be satisfied with any old thing. He needed to get something interesting, something impressive. It had to be a real conquest, if it was to have the effect that he wanted from it. It was just a matter of finding something interesting, and thus far he hadn't been too successful in that endeavor. But he would survive, he was certainly confident in that. He was not the type to give up so easily, that was for certain.

Thus far things had been going alright, a she proceeded along. He had managed to dodge most of the people walking past, and had escaped detection the entire time. So far so good, and he was already counting himself lucky for it. It had to be the festival outside drawing security away, otherwise there was no way that this should be working, not in the Citadel of all places. One would have thought that security would be a lot tighter for the Imperator's base itself.

Perhaps he had spoken too soon though, for as he neared a corner, another person turned around it, catching him in mid stride. But said man wasn't, for he was instead floating in the air. Probably a tome then, which had to be nice. But it did put Alex in a bit of spot since he could hardly dive for cover at this point.

Quickly he thought and came up with a plan. Specifically, do nothing. Just walk forward and go on. Which was what he did, nodding to the man in the process. "Sir," he said succinctly, acting as if he had a purpose and direction. Alex knew from previous experience that if you acted like you belonged, that you had a purpose here, and didn't act suspicious, nobody would think twice about it. Besides, no one could know the name and face of everyone that worked in this building. Who was to say that he didn't actually work here? Would they risk it?

With that decided on he walked on, looking to get past the encounter as rapidly as possible.

[Awesomoman64]

Jessi

Jessi was a little confused by how the Legion acted. He had always assumed Midgard was strict and down to business, yet he was almost casually telling Jessi to lighten up. Jessi took the sweet bun handed to him and answered honestly, ”I’ll do my best.” With that he sank his teeth into the delicious pastry, but immediately spit it out when a nearby tower erupted in a massive explosion. The joyous people began screaming and pointing as the visible flames consumed the structure. Initially Jessi was about to drop everything and run full speed to check it out, but the Legion commanded that he stay back and wait for his sergeant.

”But sir- He held his tongue before he could say anymore. As much as he hated the idea of sitting back to wait for reinforcements, it was not his place to question the orders of the Legion. Standing down he gripped his spear tight with frustration to the point his knuckles turned white but promptly accepted his orders, ”Understood.”

With that, he watched as the Legion flew off toward the bellowing smoke. This wasn’t fair at all. His entire life Jessi wanted to serve the Imperium and help whenever he could, not be told to sit and wait like some child. He looked over all the people staring in horror at what was transpiring, it was then he realized why he was held back for now. At a time to be celebrating, these people were not terrified fearing that their lives might be in danger. They needed someone to instruct them, to be assured that everything was alright.

Finding a nearby crate, Jessi stood atop and began shouting into the crowd, ”Everyone, please, stay calm. There is nothing to worry about. The military division has everything under control. Please return to the festivities. We will let you know if there is any need for concern.”

Even though he was just a recruit, his words seemed to help. While many still had looks of concern on their faces, they began moving and continuing on with what they were previously doing. Jumping down from his crate, Jessi’s sergeant and squad mates came running up to him full speed. “Whats going on, Phalax? What happened?” The sergeant kept his voice down as to not contradict what Jessi had just said to the crowd and infuse panic once more. Jessi explained the blast and the Legion’s orders, sending all of them in a full sprint towards the tower.

---

They arrived at the sight to see the flames had begun to die down. There didn’t seem to be much damage from the initial blast, which was to be expected. As far as explosives went fireworks had more bark than bite. But that didn’t explain what caused them to go off. Not seeing the Legion yet, the sergeant ordered the squad to wait at the towers base and keep watch while he went in to find out more information.

The squad split to cover more ground, but no sooner had the others left, Jessi spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Someone or something was trying to sneak out of the area! ”HALT!” Jessi took flight and chased after the figure.
@Lucius Cypher

[BytheSpleen]

@Lucius Cypher

Alexandria

Right then and there, Alexandria skidded to a halt across the tiles as she tried to recover her breath. Her worst fears had been confirmed, but there was little hope to outrun the Legion. While genuinely good servants of the Imperium (or so her initial thoughts were), it was known to all but the ignorant and disabled that the Legion, more specifically "Ragnar", had a penchant for only trace amounts of patience.

Plus, she was on the roofs. There was no maze of markets and the like to scuttle and scurry about in, unless she took a big jump.

Eugh, when was the last time since she had to look at heights so high, all the while being exposed? At least Rexicorg, in its nigh-claustrophobic spaces, had walls to spare. One, at least back then, could not be scared so easily of the fact that one would have been standing inside an abyssmal fissure with no end in sight.

But speaking of which...

“Citizens of the world. Hear my voice. As of this moment in time, the mass treasure hunt has begun! Sharpen your wills, broaden your minds, and go forward for that which will grant you riches and praise among the Imperium and your peers! To the ends of the earth, find the Seven Legend Relics! For all people to know your name!”

...condemn the Legion's patience, she had a quest to go on! As soon as she confronted the two incoming flashes of gold, she would have to be on her way, right? They couldn't possibly take her to jail with so many other without regulating the districts.

Wait, was that smoke she smelled?

Alexandria looked at the burning tower in the distance and froze. Her jaw went slack, her eyes widened, and her grip loosened considerably.

[Savo]

-Acerbus Invictus : Infinitum-

As he besieged the crowd with a careful gaze, Acerbus found no culprit fleeing the scene; no shifting of the masses, no error or anomaly... which lead to a frown from the young observer with an obvious conclusion. Documenting the spiel within the confines of his mind, he began to tap his lips, gazing at the floor as if it held within them the mysteries to solving the conundrum involving the retaliation, along with determining the perpetrator identity. Of course, in due time his head returned forward, however his eyes traversed around as swiftly as it could, distinguishing the others feelings out of nothing more than an abnormal curiosity for their reactions to the appalling threat against the Imperator... in the form of... an unidentified flying object.

It was truly obnoxious to him to scan and procure knowledge on what the soaring item might be.

First was Asgard who appeared to be unaffected; not at all disgruntled... but then again, he pondered "Why would Miss Asgard be?... An affirmative glare and stalwart stance which I can decipher as her identifying that there is no threat... logically why would anyone be; there's an implacable amount of safeguards due to the terrorists endangering not only the Imperator, but the citizens themselves..." Acerbus' finished his analysis, finding nothing more to scrutinize about her in mere seconds... other than the fact that there was still some longevity in her, along with physical terms, the apple did not fall far from the tree for Lady Asgards daughter... she seemed like a lovely person to spend time with.

Speaking of her daughter... Acerbus glanced at Fei who was approached by her equally beautiful mother. The woman seemed to garner some emotion for her kin as she displayed an apology with a request for the impassioned girl to enjoy the evening. While he could care less about Fei, he felt slightly guilty, especially now that he accidentally sabotaged bonding time between parent and child. From what he could discern with her next actions cemented some lingering dejection. Acerbus held the belief that Lady Asgard put forth raw, unbridled love into such a simple grasp.

Acerbus avoided eye contact, keeping a neutral aura about him as his lips and eyes remained unmoved. However, he felt a pang of envy; the facet that the most horrible, the most haughty, the most infuriating person in the Academy shared a deeper bond than Acerbus did with his own parents. It was... completely awry to him. The perturbed boy pondered on how things seemingly went right between them as Fei began her metamorphosis into a flame that displayed passion that was tender, yet left those tainted a mere crisp.

Sloughing away the laborious assessment, Acerbus found that this touching moment left jealousy, causing him to discard former thoughts about the woman being sad and alone... the more he contemplated on his choice of words, the more he found himself a hypocrite. It made him ponder though on one possible idea that was converging with a comparison to a suicide mission. Gulping lightly, he possibly shackled himself to such an endeavor just through an unfortunate interaction regardless... but it did allow him to identify another side that emanated from Fei. The teen found it to be more along the lines of pure curiosity if he undertook the arduous task of quelling the flames; to see the type of person she could truly be...

For science... and of course, causing the imminent peril to vanish immediately...

"... I rue this minuscule era, but I do need to satiate this wonder. People that live and breathe within the realm have finicky or extensive mindsets. It is definitely wise to undergo it due to the other implications..." Acerbus found himself looking at the girl for an elongated amount of time. This was a slight breach with dual edges, however, he could dismantle and dismiss the information later that Mariette would assert to all entities within the academy. He then stared at the floor, on the verge of choosing one of his diverse amount of options. The teen weighed such choices before staring at the Imperator once more...

... to find the mysterious object devoid of all action in midair before plummeting down to the hardy streets with either a crack or splat. Interestingly enough, that wasn't unexpected to him with each of his previous thoughts. Dissipating his frown, his eyes widened as the woman continued onward with the grand finale of her commendable announcement. It wasn't that he was dazed by the prospect, but antsy about such measures. Sure, while there was nothing to fear, the mere facet that she mention those items meant that the dread among the general populace would increase.

As much as Acerbus trusted her, he couldn't help but find such a command to be an alluring ruse. Upholding his position, he let out a brief sigh as he dove once more into the grey within. Unmoving, it was as if the boy was transformed from flesh to stone in an instant as she left the center stage. "People are effortlessly enamored and galvanized by the prospect of coin... I don't condemn them however, the more I analyze it, the more afraid I become. I don't wish to doubt the Imperator, but there has to be some hidden plot, and I dare not say it be a machination. However, if she is commanding us to obtain such breathtaking items in such a marvelous endeavor... what are we exactly preparing for?"

...

Eventually, he was aroused from his trance by the hyperactive (and possibly delusional) Mariette, who sought to speak without fear. As he glanced over at the girl, there was a glint of weakness - a terror that one could only scarce glance at if given the hours to grasp at his mindset. With one simple blink, he was back to normal, his jawlines still within the shop. What she said was possibly going to result in myriads of students renting or outright buying books over the relics and heroes, along with their "reported" locales.

Of course, Acerbus did not want to deal with such trifling matters. He internally wanted to release the information and perform other worthwhile actions... however, such an implication could be identified as possible treason. There was no reason to revel in what was to come, or disclose his thoughts, as it could come in due time... maybe he could attempt to pull some strings which garnered him the ability to traverse with a group in search of the items, relying on the sheer aptitude of fortune to guide him to the Imperators intentions. Eventually, she returned a simple and pure gaze to Acerbus and Fei, which he found slightly unsettling. Maybe in the eyes of other, they could be compared to red balloons, but no, this was what he identified the uncanny girl with.

"Sometimes, I feel you're feigning as a ditz, Maritte," he thought to himself as he listened to her go on about the Jester, stalwart and mute as usual. Acerbus shut his eyes that were robbed of their piercing ambiance from earlier, as if he were to prevent any more ridiculousness from appearing. Of course, the sound still resonated, and he immediately parted his lids to see the world in its grandeur state.

Eventually, she said her adieu, much to the displeasure of the bespectacled young man. The younger girl skipped away, before glancing once more at the duo, teasing them with the aspect that their "love life" was compromised. Eventually, she completely departed the shop, leaving the sight of the sweets and students who were now victim to surprised pairings. Acerbus wish he could of delayed the inevitable by suspending her from leaving with swiftly placed words, but the opportunity could no longer be procured by a handful of words.

Returning his shadowy gaze, he looked at Asgard, before realizing he had not performed the proper ritual... of telling another who their identity was for future reference. Adjusting his glasses, he broke the silence surrounding him, and decided to hold the candied peach within his book hand. "Apologies for the delay, but I never properly introduced myself... even though others slightly performed the task for me..." Stopping briefly, the boy cleared his throat before traversing on with his introduction to Asgard.

"My name is Acerbus Invictus; it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Asgard. Apologies for such formalities, as I found it rather abrupt and discourteous to not perform such a simple task."

Eventually, Fei began to depart, imparting some aura of determination with her body language. To keep looks up and begin his endeavor to assist the school by cooling down the fiery rage that was Fei, he opted to excuse himself from the shop too. "It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Asgard; I aspire to have more delightful conversations in the future with you, as well as your daughter. Have a wonderful evening; adieu."

And with that, he sped out the door, walking quickly to catch up with Fei, who he was lagging behind as the girl traversed to an unknown location. As he dashed after her, there was a burst of explosions which deafened the air around. Acerbus skid to a close as he focused on where the sound emanated from. His eyes widened, his jaw descended as he was befuddled by the scene before him - a tower ablaze. As he stared upwards, he noticed a pair of Legion going in the direction of the destruction, while four others traversed towards... the academy.

"I dislike breaking the laws, but this might be an opportunity to identify a possibly suspect... that and I lost Fei." As he silently thought to himself, he ran to the nearest area which was engulfed in the most darkness. Using what he could, the boy felt as the shades wrapped around his foot. As horrifying as the devastation was, the panicking crowd would most likely become more disgruntled at the sight of someone sinking into the shadows, turning into a mere black blob. In mere seconds, he was engulfed.

Utilizing his skills, he briskly shot up the building, averting bumping into light, before concluding he was on the rooftops. Moving as fast as he could, he began to quickly travel up and down with each building. At the rapid speed he was traveling at, he would be exhausted, if not for the shadows. As he continued, he heard a shout emanating a couple of buildings away from him. Slightly emerging from the shadows, the boy appeared deformed, half of his face appearing normal and the other a black glob, struggling to keep whatever structure it was in.

What he noticed was... peculiar. A blonde girl was alone on the rooftops (with a horrified expression on her face)... which was illegal, of course. Quickly, he sunk back into the structure, moving one more building to get close enough where he could decipher what might transpire next... why he was doing this was to discover the possible culprit behind those fires out of more than sheer adrenaline... but swiftly discerned that it wasn't the woman... maybe...

Now he was pondering about tonight - why was he taking such peculiar actions which were unnecessarily risk taking? Seriously, the Legion could of handled this situation quite well, with or without the bespectacled boy. Maybe it was the aura of the crowd? Or maybe it was the need to impress?

[Slamurai]

Cecilia

“Guard this… now, go…”

Yggdrasil placed the orb into Cecilia's hand, which bathed the immediate vicinity in a spectacular, golden light. Although it was pleasing to look at and hold, it seemed like a rather mundane item for someone as decorated as her to protect. Cecilia surmised that the stone had to hold a magic of great importance, else Yggdrasil would not have bothered. Then a thought crossed her mind. What if the stone was a Legend Relic? One of the ancient artifacts said to empower the wielder with the spirit of the Seven Heroes? She'd never considered that the relics were, in fact, more than myth. Despite her curiosity, she waved her thoughts behind. Her superior had given her a simple task, and she was expected to see it fulfilled.

Cecilia tucked the golden stone into a pouch, secure under the folds of her robes. Although Yggdrasil's ever-so direct instructions told her just what she needed to do, she did wish the knight could put things into context for her once in a while. However, it became clear why the stone required her attention when a smooth-faced Intelligence officer arrived to elaborate on their duty.

"As if it would be safer in my care than under lock and key in a treasure room..." she mumbled to herself.

"...want me to look after it? If I put it in my pocket, it will be invisible too," Tori's voice brought Cecilia back to attention, to which she replied with a curt, "No."

It was nothing personal. In Cecilia's line of work, you learned to be suspicious, inquisitive. The number of individuals you could trust shrunk dramatically. Be as it may, she felt more comfortable having the stone where she knew she could see it. Not to mention Yggdrasil had given to her specifically.

"I will hold onto the orb, but I have something else for you to do that could make good use of your talents. Blend in with the masses. See if you can learn anything of the rebels that are supposed to take it. Report back to me if you hear anything. I'll preside over the execution with the soldiers."

Cecilia turned to leave when a dull KBOOM echoed through the hall. She doubled her pace, throwing herself out the door to the open air of the street. Above the city, one of the towers was coming down, crumbling upon itself where an explosion must have triggered the collapse.

"Shit!" The rebels may be making their move. Cecilia ran to the nearest soldier, pulling him around by the shoulder.

"What happened?! Are the rebels attacking?"