Sanguine Rose

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, DM @Zarkun

A quiet ride should have been lovely and boring. It wasn't long before the young water mage had to catch herself from starting to hum. The forest was lovely, and if it wasn't for knowing the dangers that lurked inside, she'd likely come wandering here herself. The way the sunlight passed between the leaves of trees, the wild flowers scattered among the carpet of fallen vegetation, the variety of birds perched in various places that didn't usually come into town - all quite beautiful. At some point she'd started counting how many blue and purple flowers were around and it wasn't until the guards started pointing out the lack of noise that she even realized she hadn't seen a bird or critter in a while.

Asterins... It was the only logical beast in the area that would make the forest go silent like that. Thus far, she never had the displeasure of an up close battle with one but she had seen the teeth and the claws and heard rumors about what they could do. Her attention turned from their surroundings to Nolan when he spoke up. Yup, even though the guards likely expected something else to cause issue with this shipment, Asterins being a problem didn't change any of their missions.

Offense would be an entirely different matter, but she at least never had problems casting defensive or utility spells. She kept her breathing steady, stroking her horse's neck as it shifted from side to side. Her gaze turned to the surroundings, scanning to be as ready as she could for the next point of attack. Would funneling help or just mess up the guards? She didn't like the idea of being surrounded. Would it be better for everyone if the beasts were able to pile in front of them though? That would be worse, wouldn't it? Or would it be even worse to have them potentially just go from behind? Maybe she could block behind them - but that would block other travelers until she tore the wall down...."Focus," she whispered to herself.

Her attention turned back to the guards. She'd dealt with a beast with similarly sharp claws and their armor didn't look up to par for that kind of attack, and the horses definitely needed some additional protection if they were attacked. "Water Make: Thick Articulated Armor", Ria muttered and directed the spell on each of the guards and all of the horses. It would make everything but a face plate, in hopes of helping grant them the best protection possible without hindering their ability to see or move as they were used to. It was the only thing she definitely knew she could do to help protect the guards and the cargo.

---

---

Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello, Sergeant Monreu @Zarkun

Mark quietly listened to the more detailed information about the assignment. Once again, his interest in capturing the creature to study was peaked. It didn't sound like that was the intent. Sounded like they wanted the thing dead. Unfortunate for his interest in the creature, but if the guards were nervous and thought it would make it safer for them and the town if the thing was dead...Nope, still unfortunate. It wouldn't help in the long run to not know more about the thing, but history was full of killing things you didn't understand.

"Our task in this mission is to kill this creature? Or capture it?" His attention was on the device being offered as he spoke. He accepted the device, and pocketed it as his attention returned to the guardsman. "We will ensure we achieve the goal you desire."

He had half a thought to tell the Sergeant to run rather than buy them time, but he was fairly certain that request would be shunned. Which made the request a waste of effort on his part, but he didn't relish the thought of guard deaths weighing on his conscious. Two miles out meant the lightning beast could kill one or more before he could get there.

Well, they would cross that threshold if they got there. All he needed was the answer to his very pressing question about the state they needed that beast to be in, and they were set to be on their way. Hopefully Adelyn wouldn't delay their departure; given Kiba talked less than he did, there wasn't much chance the older mage would ruin that streak now by dragging out their departure. The sooner this mission started, the sooner it was over.

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 1,800
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
10 Pokéballs
Dawn Stone
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, basic pokemon food for a few common types, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Faye finished putting her extra pokeballs away when she stopped dead in her tracks because someone stood in her way. Wait, looking for her? She blinked after confirming with the delivery guy then read the note. "A benefactor?" She unwrapped the package to see the stone. Her eyes widened slightly. Well now, that was quite interesting indeed. Her gaze dropped to Sage who tilted his head to the side as they locked gazes. "We'll talk about it after we find out what the holdup is for the delivery is. Right now, let's get moving."

Back down Route 1 they went, and despite the continued distractions happening around her, she managed to stay on track. There would be time to do stuff later. No need to rush. Okay, well, she supposed putting things off was problematic and would cause rush, but right now she needed to stay on task. The task was likely not worthwhile, but who would know unless they investigated. And right now, with the anger the two she saw between the two older men and yelling contest they seemed to have going on, it seemed it might be helpful if someone stepped in.

"Hiya!" The young trainer raised a hand as a wave. She figured calling out as she continued her approach would help prevent either ornery adult from startling (though she knew that wasn't likely to stop the anger from getting redirected at her.) "So, I know you two will think it's none of my business but my name's Faye Wrexlyn, and I heard there was some trouble with the shipment so I came to offer some help." She kept a friendly smile on her face as she came to a stop, Sage beside her, not too far from the two gentlemen. "My team and I can look for whatever part is missing from your truck."

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, basic pokemon food for a few common types, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Faye caught herself from laughing at the initial reaction to her offer. She wasn't surprised at his, well, surprise. Why would he have any reason to think some stranger would offer to help? And while backtracking wasn't exactly ideal, it did present a small chance to possibly catch a few other Pokémon from the first route she skipped over in her haste to get on with the journey. Okay, probably not - she'd likely just forget to catch more Pokémon and just head straight there and straight back without trying to catch a single thing. Because let's be realistic here.

She pulled out a piece of paper and a pen from her pockets and jotted down the address and description of the grandfather. "Awesome. I mean, alright." Her next magic trick was going to remember that she did write these things down.

The rookie trainer offered the shopkeep a reassuring smile. "I'll get this all sorted for you. Here," she jotted down the number for her pokédex and tore it off the paper and handed it to the man behind the counter. "If there's any update you might have, you can contact me on my pokédex. Name's Faye Wrexlyn, by the way. You're in good hands." She tucked the pen and paper back into her pants pockets, gave the clerk a faux salute, and headed back out with Sage at her heels.

Time to go track down a missing shipment.

Sage yipped next to her and pawed at her leg when she started toward route 1. When she looked down, he barked again, "Eev vee eevee ee," while motioning toward the shop window.

"Oh! Right! See, I knew I named you right. Thanks, Sage." She reached down and ruffled the fur on the top of his head. The trainer turned and headed for the town's Pokemart instead to purchase 6 pokeballs before heading out to the address on route 1.

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, basic pokemon food for a few common types, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Oh good, he was worried, and it wasn't because of anything about her. That was a breath of relief she didn't realize she'd feel. But then he just looked tired, like he'd failed to sleep all night. Poor guy. A shipment of apricorns running late was bad. Really bad for a specialty pokeball store. It wasn't her problem, but it would be very problematic for not only this store but many trainers in the area that might travel here for the specialty balls. Most of these weren't things one could find in most stores. Route 1 meant back tracking but...

"Give me a description of your grandfather and an address for the farm. I just came from Route 1 but I'd be happy to backtrack to see if I can help either find this missing shipment and get it to you, or find your grandfather to stop him from creating problems. Hopefully I can accomplish both." She offered him a calming smile. While she couldn't make any promises, hopefully her offer to aide him would at least take some weight off his shoulders. That would hopefully help lift his spirits so he doesn't look so downtrodden for any other customers that show up today.

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Damian @Zarkun

Help with preparations was unnecessary despite there still being final preparations going on. The people doing them had them well in hand, which left Ria feeling a bit idle. She didn't like it. Having nothing to do but stand and await was not her style. There was always something to do, something that would help make something ready. Which she decided was studying the caravan vehicles to ensure she was familiar with what they were, and were capable of, to better adjust her potential needs to help defend them. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that - moreover, hopefully it didn't come to her needing to actually fight. She knew she could defend; her maker magic never disappointed her ability to block attacks and fortify things. Defense was adequate. Offense...the tiniest frown tugged at the corners of her lips.

Nolan's calling out a pleasant parting with Damian drew her from her thoughts and she even then realized horses were being brought over. Enough for the guards and the two Rising Star mages. That certainly would make mobile defense easier, at least for her. She had plenty of experience casting from horseback. Not so much for training or experience casting from a vehicle. Assumedly, the horses being supplied by the garrison were used to some sort of combat like that as well. Perhaps not mages casting spells, but hopefully at ease enough with rifle fire or swordsmen attacking to not be uneasy with magic. It wasn't like they were raised in a land with such a plethora of mages as Fiore, or trained in the military practice for both armed and magical combat.

She thanked the person that handed off the reins to her for the horse with a smile. A few strokes if its neck, and she mounted the beautiful beast. It had been a single smooth action using the same fluid grace she tended to move in, and let her land sitting straddled with her skirting tucked beneath her to keep the saddle from sitting against bare skin. Something she'd done hundreds of times in her life, which left her completely unfazed by the fact she turned her ankle length skirt into shorts.

Most that knew her would expect the bubbly water mage to fill the silence with attempts at conversation, but she instead sat silent. She even withheld from humming softly as she was like to do when completing inane tasks. Her fingers gently, continuously, stroked the horse's hair as they rode. A quiet ride watching their surroundings for dangers just like when she would help patrol the border of the Ocenade territory for threats to the farmers. No need to bring about an attack because of unnecessary noise when she could come socialize with the guards at some other point.

---

---

Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello, Sergeant Monreu @Zarkun

The cold wasn't meant to intimidate, but then he hadn't intended to make it cold. He got angry and his magic responded. it would be something to investigate and train later. This rare flare in temper wasn't a calculated one; he didn't fully understand why the insult elicited anger. Yet, at this point, the dark haired mage was disinclined to bring the room's temperature back to normal. He didn't want to be the reason for relations to get worse for the guild. Unfortunately he also wasn't inclined to just let the room return to standard temperature. It was infinitely easier to swallow his pride and let the guy have his little bit of superiority on this whole subject. Then that would mean encouragement to just keep treating the guild like trash and build them a reputation of bending over and taking it.

While first impressions weren't anywhere on the Sergeant's priorities - and Mark didn't particularly care about them either - this particular one gave Mark the impression their overwatch couldn't be trusted. Which meant he would have to be watching his back from them just as much as the beast they were being sent to kill. He hated complicated jobs. It would be better if someone else took the job.

Then Adelyn spoke up to try to resolve the matter. If she hadn't touched him, he wouldn't have even looked at her. His gaze dropped to her, but his attention was divided between her trying to sooth over his reaction with the Sergeant and the instigator. When she continued on, addressing the Sergeant, his attention turned to their silent companion. Kiba seemed set on them continuing this deathtrap mission. So it was two against one. He could just abandon them to it themselves, but then - that would leave Adelyn completely at risk of slaughter if what he anticipated going awry did. Kiba was talented, but one talented mage on his own against intent might not be enough.

Dammit.

He took a deep breath and slowly released it. The stoic mage turned his attention back to the Sergeant. "It will be a trust exercise for both groups then. Proceed, Sergeant."

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, basic pokemon food for a few common types, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Walking the streets even the moderate distance between the Center and Critical Roll posed a considerable challenge. No, there wasn't anyone getting in her way or trying to stop her. There wasn't any attack to be had. There was just so much....stuff! Unlike Grand Glory's towering buildings or familiarity of King's Cross, this place had noises and colors to capture and captivate the senses at every step. For a girl that occasionally had a lot of trouble keeping her eyes on the prize, this was a very distracting town to be walking through. She certainly needed to stay on task or risk being lost to the wonder of it all. Fenris had a similar feel, the underlying peace and appreciation of life, but it was more subdued and tranquil over this boisterous celebration of it. Walking the streets of Fenris she didn't feel pulled in every direction like she was walking these streets.

Sage trotted close to his purple haired trainer. When someone got a bit too close, he'd shift a bit closer. Unlike Grand Glory that was crowded with people with things to do, he seemed a bit less comfortable walking beside her streets crowded with people milling about enjoying the atmosphere. He did seem to perk up when Faye finally stooped down and scooped him up in her arms. That was when his interest finally perked up just as much as hers was to take in their surroundings.

When they finally arrived, without even getting distracted and stopping to browse a single stand, at their destination the duo just stood looking over the display in the window. She knew a little about the various apricorns and what kind made what kind of ball, but it was still pretty cool to actually see them all on display. Definitely out of my price range, but it doesn't hurt to look to see just how far, the young trainer told herself.

Faye placed Sage down and let him trot in first before following quickly behind him. She hadn't noticed the store clerk, immediately having her attention grabbed by a display on her left. So when he spoke up, she blinked and had to turn to face him.

Something seemed off, but she figured it was best to address his question first. "I mostly came in to browse and see what there was." But it was weird how nervous he was, wasn't it? Couldn't just be because she was a customer. Maybe because Sage wasn't in a ball? Or was it something else? Well one way to find out. "Is there something wrong?"

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Damian @Zarkun

It didn't seem like the corporal was about to believe her, but then he did. Or at least he was willing to accept the answer for granted. They needed help badly, and any help was better than no help. Which just made her feel all the worse with the nagging feeling she was going to let everyone down. The water mage was so caught up in her own thoughts and worries, that she didn't hear the whistling approaching them.

Hearing her name, however, elicited a soft gasp as Ria startled. She turned toward the sound, having missed the words. The bit of shock was chased away by a beaming grin. Any worries vanished. "Damian!" No sooner had his name escaped her, then she was on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck in a huge hug. "I thought you had already set off, and I'd been so upset I neglected to say goodbye!"

Then Nolan opened his mouth and her beaming grin diminished slightly. "Oh!" It hadn't even occurred to her that Nolan might not know the swordsman. She pulled away and took a step over to stand off to the side but still somewhat between the two. "Nolan, this is Damian; he has been a regular facet at the guild since it started. I have not seen anyone come close to a match for Damian's skill with a sword but I am certain Kiba will be one to give him a proper challenge soon. Damian, this is Nolan; I'm sure Jenna has told you a lot about him, but he's one of the guild's A-class and yes, he agreed to assist with this escort mission.

"But like Nolan said, I didn't realize you were part of the - well, to crudely phrase it - cargo for the mission. Given how the guards were talking, I suppose they haven't heard of your skill and assumed you were just some tag along they'd have to protect as well." She tabbed her chin softly as she looked to the sky. "Though, that really doesn't seem to change our roles with the caravan as you were not intending to defend unless necessary."

She laughed softly, regaining the smile from her thoughtful look. "I'm glad we get to see you off. It looks like the caravan is just about to get going so we should all go join the guards." She didn't wait for the two men to agree or not. The water mage spun on her heels and, with a skip to her step, headed off to join the guards and see if there was any help she could provide them in their final checks.

---

---

Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello, Seargent Monreu @Zarkun

Adelyn had argued that zap she'd given him was not a true display of her power, but Mark had seen little to support that claim. He supposed that a bulk of the reason for that was only seeing her zap in response to physical contact instead of seeing her on a job. Come to think of it, he couldn't recall any time she had taken a job. Usually se sat in the guildhall with her nose in a book or ranting in her over articulate way at some unsuspecting soul.

The dark mage spared a glance at the otherwise silent swordsman beside him when Kiba let out the softest noise. What was funny enough to make their quiet companion laugh? Whatever it was likely wasn't important. Not worth pressing someone that didn't speak by choice to share the joke. Either they would discover in time or not.

What was important was that they finally reached the command center, and moreover the briefing room where they were to meet the man in charge of giving them information on the job. Though unchanging in his expression, the air around the stoic mage grew a little colder when the sergeant doing the briefing used - at least the kinder - nicknames he'd heard muttered in reference to guildmembers. It would be better to just leave the posting and leave with Adelyn and Kiba, not completely the job, but then what would Jenna say? No, they needed to complete the job. They just didn't need the guard to do it. It didn't change much of what he expected to happen. Kiba could help guarantee Adelyn didn't get hurt, and Mark himself would carry the bulk of the weight. It equated to slightly more complicated than the last time he was hired to deal with a dangerous beast, but only because there were two mages he hadn't worked with instead of just doing the job by himself.

"If that was the first thing, you should have lead with that instead of starting with an insult, Sergeant." His tone was even and tempered, face placid of disappointment, but even the guardsman would likely have little difficulty sensing the shift in the air. "You will use formality with addressing us, and will address her as Ma'am with a prompt apology.

"Then provide the details for this job so my team and I can complete this task. You will stay here. That should eliminate a variable that is clearly a threat to my team." Mark kept his gaze leveled on the man's face, but he took in the room with his peripheral. "Is any part of that unclear?"

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Garrison @Zarkun

Off to a wonderful start! Everyone was being cordial and the guardsman - Corporal Nalen - even shook shook Nolan's hand! Honestly, of all the ways Ria assumed this might go, this was the absolute best route. Well, not with being asked to lead the caravan, but still. The guards seemed up for working with the foreigners and that was the starting point they needed. The guild couldn't afford for this to go sideways - on so many levels - so it starting so splendidly was precisely how she hoped. If it hadn't, well, that was why she wanted to join him. At worst, the water mage had been prepared to calm tensions and help smooth out rough edges. But the only edges that seemed to be around were those of the guards' understandable unease over the whatever the monster was that was causing them so many injuries.

They may have seemed reluctant to bring up the misfortune but it did need to be addressed. The water mage only knew of the misfortunes in broad strokes, but she still knew of their diminished capacity. At least enough to draw some conclusions when she first saw this job go on the board. Would Nolan have been better received if the circumstances were not dire? She knew the answer to that, but that was what made this the perfect job for him to take to help his reputation with the guards.

Of course, when the question of skill came up, her gaze shot to her companion. She doubted he was going to take the inquiry kindly, but any worry over his reaction was void from her face. Her smiling, almost carefree mask remained in place. No one needed to know her concern. Which made her smile all the more when he spoke so well in response to the inquiry.

Her mismatched gaze returned to the guardsmen with a nod. Her smile grew a bit brighter, and her voice was a tad more chipper than it had been. "I assure you, we are quite capable of ensuring this mission goes off without any further complications for the guard."

A chill ran down her spine, her stomach twisted into a knot, but the smile remained. She knew what she'd just promised. In the back of her mind, she could hear her father chiding her for ever thinking she could ensure the safety of others with her water magic. She was weak compared to others, could never hold up in combat whenever tested. How could she not let Nolan down and cause him to burden more of the task instead of share it equally? How was she supposed to ensure these men - so new and uncertain - didn't meet with injury or worse if she was lacking?

She could perform wonderfully when it was just her and Azria training. If she could just get her mind focused like during those matches then it would all work out just fine. Azria believed in her capabilities. She just needed everyone else to be confident in her too. Maybe if everyone else trusted she could do it, she could convince herself too. "I have extensive combat training in a plethora of scenarios, and I know Nolan is more than capable of handling most any situation that may be thrown our way as well. You are in capable hands."

Pokémon: There and Back Again

Faye Wrexlyn

Inventory

Pokédollars: 3,000
Egg in Egg Case
1x Potion
Camping backpack with a cold weather sleeping bag with a sleeping pad added to it, waterproof canvas tarp, 50 ft of rope, mess kit, extra clothes, a week of food (granola, jerky, a few canned soup, pokemon food for Sage, etc), water purification kit and canteen, compass and maps of the region, magnesium fire starter, multi-tool knife, and a camping saw.

Pokemon

On-hand

Sage

♂

Species: Eevee
Type: Normal
Level: 6
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Growl, Sand-Attack
Ability: Adaptability - Increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x
Held Item:

Tilia

♀

Species: Rowlet
Type: Grass/Flying
Level: 5
Status:
Moves: Tackle, Growl, Leafage
Ability: Overgrow - Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low.
Held Item:

PC

Wait, splitting up? Well, that would probably be best. It wasn't exactly like they were conversing much or any of that. She'd wanted him as backup to assist with the forest for which she realized she was woefully underprepared. They didn't exactly need to travel together. It would be nice but...Gods, he was awful to socialize with, why did she even care?! At least for as awful as their partnership had started, he was being surprisingly nice in his departure. Just kind of proved right to have chided herself for her initial assessment of the guy.

"Oh, okay then, sure." She shrugged lightly. If he wanted to sightsee instead of look into what might help him gain an edge as a trainer, very well. Just made it easier for her to buy things she needed without feeling like she was the inexperienced one that foolheartedly rushed out of Grand Glory without buying necessary supplies.

Faye blinked as the boy walked out the door. "Did you say mafia?" she gawked. But it was too late. He was already off on his way toward wherever he wanted to start his sightseeing. Maybe he was just playing around. Payback for her lack of details about the Illusive Forest she supposed. Whatever the case, even if the case he was working involved the mafia, why would they look for her? She wasn't involved in the case. That likely didn't matter, but then again would she know someone was mafia just from sight? How often did mafia people actually dress like that in real life? They'd stick out like such a sore thumb it would be neigh impossible to operate an underground organization without getting caught.

Whatever. The purple haired trainer shook the thoughts from her head. Instead, she set her mind back to the task at hand. She left the PokeCenter and released Sage from his ball. While letting both out would be nice, keeping track of both her Eevee and her Rowlet while walking around would likely be too much. Besides, Tilia would likely enjoy the time not in the sun. Probably better to not show off her shiny Rowlet just walking around an unfamiliar city as it was.

So, with Sage happily trotting beside her, she headed off to Critical Capture.

Rising Stars: A Fairy Tail AU

Location: in route to Suspicious Monster Sighting
Interactions: Adelyn @Lunarlord34, Kiba @Cello

Thankfully there were no more complaints or interruptions. At least, none that prevented them from finally leaving the guildhall. It was hard to start a job if you couldn't leave to actually start it. Out in the street it was at least slightly less noisy, and it gave Mark a chance to finally properly read the posting. He'd skimmed it, but not actually seen what the details were. The job implied killing the beast was expected - proof job is completed. Could there potentially be an alternative, capturing or taming it? He had heard the rumors of the beast attacking the garrison, but he hadn't heard of such a beast before in the literature he had read or outside of these attacks on the garrison. It might do well to study a living specimen instead of simply analyze a corpse.

When he looked to verify Kiba was in fact joining them, he realized the sparking mage was talking. Had she stopped or was she still carrying on? If she insisted on talking so much, he supposed he could listen. Listening wasn't difficult if she didn't expect responses. As long as she shut up before they left the city, it wasn't an issue. Once they left, she needed to quiet to let him work out plans and give them a chance to sneak up on the thing - or track where it may have gone if it left this potential lair.

"I have seen it in action. You tried to shock me when I stepped on your foot." But that wasn't the main thing she was talking about. The job. Kiba needed to know it as well.

Mark offered the flier to the sparking mage and looked at Kiba again. "I signed up to handle the mysterious beast that has been attacking the garrison. We are to stop it from causing further losses." He hadn't determined how or how long it would take, but the job was to prevent this thing from attacking again. The poster didn't say it needed to be killed, just that proof the thing would not attack again; he preferred not to kill it but if that was the only option that would be how it ended. Which was precisely why it was good Kiba came along; a swordsman working with him would certainly help make that an easier option to complete.

* * *

Location: Town Guard Command Center
Interactions: Nolan @hatakekuro, Sergeant of Garrison @Zarkun

Ria had only originally caught the look out of the corner of her eye, but when she'd checked what she saw - she almost didn't stifle the bit of a giggle that bubbled up. Never had she seen such a look of shock on his face. In fact, she supposed something she said must have been so completely unexpected he couldn't keep up the brooding asshole appearance that he usually tried to. No one in the guild would ever believe her if she tried to convince them he could make such a face, but she supposed that was fine. It didn't take him long to get his usual look on his face, which was best given their arrangement. Working with guards that didn't like guild mages - it was probably best they both showed their usual side.

"Thank you very much. We're ready to go once they are." She offered the commander a polite smile and parting courteous handshake before following Nolan over to the others they would travel with.

Her smile didn't falter. Nolan was being polite. That was a great step in the right direction. Hopefully it would put everything else in order. All anyone needed to do was just coexist together and focus on completing the job and surely it would help head toward repairing relations. At worst, all the guild mages needed to ensure everyone came back alive and relatively uninjured without losing any of the cargo. That would certainly signify a job well done and still hopefully win some good will between the guards and the guild. Especially with Nolan helping make that happen.

The water mage offered them all a raised hand as a wave. "Hi. I'm sure you guys have seen me around helping farmers and such, but introductions are great for making sure everyone knows who is who. I'm also a Rising Star guildmage, and Nolan's partner. You can call me Ria. It's great we get a chance to work with you on this. Thank you for trusting us to ensure this shipment is delivered without issue."