Sutoratosu Posted May 29, 2017 Share Posted May 29, 2017 "No, I think that's it... seeing as how there's apparently no act of treason about to be committed, we've just about lost any reason we had to get involved further. Sorry to bother you." In her head though, she could not help but think how much of a waste of time this whole lead had been. They had run all over the god damn city, only to find out that at best, the crime they were after was little more than a case of some drifter setting up a shop without going through the proper channels first. Whatever, it was a problem for the local authorities now, if anything came out of it. Besides, she hadn't really felt like fighting yet another nobleman and his hired thugs anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted May 29, 2017 Share Posted May 29, 2017 "Well, the two of us do use different types of magic, so we should be able to help. What is it that we might need to do?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokubiraijuu Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 The shopkeeper's reply earns her the barest laughter, hardly more than a small chuckle. "Thank you, but a nomad's word is enough. I don't need any 'incentive'." It had been a long time until he had gotten accustomed to what people called 'sweetening the deal', and he remembers that the first time someone had offered to compensate him for doing something he had agreed to do, he had been deeply offended, thinking that they did not trust him. Only later did he realize that the nature of people was such that things like that were often necessary. "I cannot guarantee I'll find this man, but I will try my best." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bfroger6 Posted May 30, 2017 Share Posted May 30, 2017 "If you don't want the 'incentive' this lady's so kindly offering you, just give it over to me after you're done with the job, hehe." Cass clapped his hands and turned to walk out the shop. "You coming, Idei?" He looked over the shoulder. "Let's go whistle this thing at people." He waved the whistle in his hand, with a sheepish grin on his face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinwolf Posted May 31, 2017 Share Posted May 31, 2017 "We do less producing, more trade and shipping. Unless Mom's put in some radical policy changes while I'm gone, that probably includes tailor-related stuff." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokubiraijuu Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Restraining himself from a sigh — less of true exasperation, however, and more in the vein that he had expected a comment like that from Cass, at this point — he nods once more to the shopkeeper. "Thank you for your help. I hope to find the man you're looking for." Not bothering to ask Cass what the particulars of 'whistling this thing at people' entails, he turns and follows him out of the store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 (edited) As the couple leaves and the group reconvenes, a hooded man approaches the group. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear you earlier, but would you by chance be the Royal Guard?" --------------------------- "Yes well, follow me," the director directs the mage pair down to the test grounds, which features some sort of hull in a rather large pool with a glowing orb in the center of the boat-like structure. Next to it were a set of seats positioned around the orb. "Now then, I'll need you to try and use your magic to connect to the orb here. If my theory holds, it should be able to work and start moving this miniature boat around the pool here. If not, there won't be too much danger, so you will be fine. Is this fine with you both?" the director asks. "Yes, I'm alright with it. I always wanted to be part of actual magical experiments. Darius, how about you?" Helena asks, clearly excited. --------------------------- "Well, we've made a few changes here and there to our business model, but nothing too major. I'll be able to brief you on everything later now that you're back home. As for the Marigolds, their family has always had quite the reputation. Most of the major merchants have heard the name at the very least," Clarisse's mom explains. --------------------------- "Well, that's all I can ask of you two," she says in response to Idei before laughing at Cass' response. "Don't bother the locals alright? If you get arrested I may not be able to help you. Also, my name is Sacre, so if you ever end up back around here, come and find me alright?" she tells the two as they leave the shop. Edited June 2, 2017 by Zetaark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Cadence spun on her heels when the new voice called out to them. Hand on her blade, she looked the figure up and down, eye's scrutinizing as she answered "It depends. You gonna start any trouble? What, do you have something to do with that Illegal storefront?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Darius thought for a moment. Ever since picking up elder magic, he only cared for one thing: to inflict pain on the world that has hurt him for so long. Even joining the royal guard, originally, he was motivated by the thought that he can induce agony on the deserving under the banner of "Royal Guard business". And yet...ever since he, as well as his fellow guardsmen, ended up shipwrecked, he did not feel the satisfaction of inflicting pain. In fact, the reactions from the others ever since that moment... ...and yet, he could not really change. Inducing pain unto others was all he knew what to do. And yet...here he was, a chance to use his magic for something else. Something...productive. Darius had learned that maybe living just to hurt others was not a great life to live. "...I'm ready. Ready and willing. This should be...quite interesting." Darius steeled himself before speaking. He knew that, if successful, this could be the start of a major change in his world view. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 "Perhaps. I recall overhearing that storekeeper mention something about preparing the necessary tools to dispose of someone. I'm not sure who exactly, but it may be the owner of the Faux manor further North," the man explains.. --------------------------------- "Very well, all you'll need to do is channel your magic into the animus engine and hopefully this shall work," the director says as the pair begins to sit nearby the device itself. As they sat near the orb-like device, it seemed to glow in a multitude of colors. After a moment of preparation, the two mages began channeling their own magic into the device. It took a few moments for the animus engine to show any signs of reaction, but when it did, everyone on the prototype boat knew. Mostly because it hat jetted forward at a rather high speed. "Lessen the intensity of the magic so we don't go too fast alright?" the director says, nearly falling off the boat at the sudden acceleration. The pair managed to lessen the intensity of the magic before hitting the next wall, and after some fiddling managed to be able to control the boat, allowing it to circle around the pool at a moderately high speed. "So...it worked?" Helena asks, looking at the director, but still handling the engine. "Yes, and if the theory on this engine is correct, you should be able to step away from it now. It only needs initial energy for startup purposes like speed and direction, though the direction part can still be done on a normal ship with a normal steering wheel of course," the director says with a grin. "Still though, it looks like my hypothesis on what this engine was lacking may be right after all. We may finally be able to continue on with the research and development. I truly thank you both for this," the director says with a face that is about to burst into tears. Some of the other individuals near the test platform start clapping, glad to see a successful trial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 "..." "I see then." she sighed, obvious exasperation in her voice. Maybe she should've been a bit more glad at the news- it meant that they're whole investigation up till now had been worth something afterall... but it also meant they were gonna have to step in and clean up yet another mess that the local authorities apparently couldn't handle. Though, to be fair, it wasn't like they'd told the locals about it to begin with, had just kinda... went off on their own and started poking around. After taking a minute or two to steady herself, using that classic breath exercise- Myrdwyn had a point when they talked afterall, no point wearing her heart out stressing over everything -and she continued the impromptu interview. "And just who owns this 'Faux Manor'? Why do you think they'll be his target, whenever he decides to spring into action?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Darius was pressed against the chair he had sat down next to when the ship took off at high speed. "Wh-whoah!" he exclaimed. He eased on his magic upon the director's request and, soon enough, the ship was under control. The feeling of using his magic for something productive like this was...unexpected. He felt...proud to be able to do this. He felt...proud and happy that he was able to help with the experiment, with the development. As soon as he saw just how happy everyone else was, he...did not know what to think or how to feel. "It...it's nothing, really. We're just glad we were able to help you out with the development here." he said to the director. Indeed, for the first time in a long time, he felt happy, truly happy, a feeling that he thought he had forgotten, now re-emerging. The elder spirits around him, as expected, were not as happy about what happened, but they kept to themselves for now. They thought that they would get their chance soon enough to convert Darius to their side, to submit to darkness... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 "All I can say is that the owner of that manor is in grave danger. If someone doesn't act, he'll be dead before the next day comes around," the man says in a concerned voice. ---------------------------- "And I'm glad you two came around. You see, when testing this with past mages, we found some rather inconsistent results. Sometimes it worked out rather well, other times it didn't work at all. Thanks to you two, I think I've found the answer. In order for the magic to properly tune itself within the engine, the two mages must have some strong bond. I figured with you two, I could confirm these suspicions. Now I'm not entirely sure how strong the bond must be for it to work, but it's a start for sure," the director says, smiling. "Oh...err, is that right?" Helena asks, a bit more bashful than usual. "From what I can tell, this seems to be the case. Incidentally, Darius was it? I'm impressed to see that you can command dark magic as well as you can. Many who walk that path often will lose themselves. However, those with true purpose can explore even the depths of dark magic without losing themselves. Or at least that's what I've heard, dark magic and it's practitioners aren't all too common. Nevertheless, I think you'll be fine. On that note, I'd imagine you two have other matters to attend to, but if you'd like..." the director pauses, giving each of them a card with his information and the information of other branches. "I would love for the two of you to assist with future research we may do. Please consider it," the director says as the boat finally slows to a stop and everyone disembarks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 "So that's it huh?" Cade truly was beginning to get annoyed with the mystery man, despite how little time they'd spent talking. He obviously knew more than he let on...the concern in his voice during that last part was an easy giveaway. Maybe he was a servant at this supposed manor or something... or was otherwise related to the potential victim. It didn't matter to her though. One way or another, he was certainly being dodgy for someone who wanted their help "Just gonna dodge around elaborating further and cryptically reinforce what ya already told us? Not really helping your case here pal, considering I'm starting to find you pretty suspicious, what with the hood and the posture and all." with that said, she turned and began walking north "you're probably not gonna give us a description of the place either, so I won't bother asking you for one. C'mon, let's go look into this; The investigation is back on after all, I guess..." Take the Gang north and go check out this Faux Manor place Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 Before the group leaves off to the manor, the man goes up to the group. "Are you sure the 4 of you can deal with the issue? Surely you have more guards around? Gather them and bring them here. Then I can take you to the manor," the man pleads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 "... It would be really fucking nice if you just told us upfront what's going on." Cade grumbled "Dude, it's obvious from how scarred you are that you know more than you're telling us. This whole thing with worrying about reinforcements only gives more evidence. But fine, continue being dodgy, have it your way. We'll go get the others and meet you back here in a bit." and with that said, she turned once more, this time in the opposite direction, and headed off down the lane, muttering under her breath as she waved for the others to follow "Alright look, I'm not gonna run around this whole damn city trying to find everyone- so here's what I want you cheeky bastards to do; fan out and try to figure out where they went. I don't need an exact spot, just a specific direction... an Accurate direction. So help me, if you pull any bullshit like you did back at those docks with the fire..." the Anima murmured a few indignant protests. They'd said they were sorry (alright, that was a lie, they definitely weren't sorry and would totally do it again), hell had even helped her get that nice sword, and still she treated them like a bunch of traitors and tricky dicks who could neither be prosecuted nor trusted. ... ... ... Smart girl....they collectively decided. Smart girl indeed. Ending their mental debate, the spirits finally began to do as she asked, attempting to track down the companions as the girl kept walking. Go gather up the SoC bunch I guess, cause it's map time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 "True...purpose? I..." Darius stammered out in response. He never had any true purpose, at least not one that could be considered "True". He looked kind of dazed at his words. He...his entire world view is being challenged now. Maybe...maybe it really is time for him to change. He snapped out of it once he was handed the business card. "Oh, erm, sure, yeah, we'll...we'll consider it." he stammers out before turning to Helena. "Well, that was...quite an experience." he spoke out. He would need some time with his thoughts some time in the future... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 "I'd certainly say so. I figured we would just get to look around the place, but instead we ended up being part of the trials themselves," Helena laughs a bit before looking back at Darius. "Also...if I may ask, before we left the director said something about how having a true purpose can keep the elder spirits at bay for the most part. If you don't want to answer that's fine, but I want to know if you have such a purpose or not," Helena finally gets out, acting similar to how she did earlier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Helena's inquiry caught Darius completely off-guard. He just learned that he can use his magic for a higher purpose than the desire for revenge against the world that he was pursuing, a purpose that he enjoyed being a part of, and here she is, asking him about his past. He was torn between wanting to admit it and keeping it a secret. Eventually, he sighed out. "I...I need to think on this...if it's alright, I will answer you the question a little later, alright? What happened today...I need to think about everything..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinwolf Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 "Mom, didn't I already say I'm going to keep travelling? I'm just visiting while I'm here." Clarisse says, her tone a bit exasperated. She'd been partly expecting this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raindrop Valkyrie Posted June 5, 2017 Share Posted June 5, 2017 "Oh goddess is this a fight? This is fight isn't it? It's the start of one probably. Oh no.. OOOH NOOOO." The pegasus rider thought to herself as she silently freaked out in her mind. She didn't even realize that her hands hand migrated up to her mouth and that she obviously looked extremely worried. She was letting on a lot more physical signs then she thought, it clear that she was uncomfortable with the situation unfolding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 After a bit of wandering through the town, garnering a few looks here and there, Cadence and co would eventually find Idei and Cass in one of the town circle areas near the fountain with instruments in hand. ------------------------------ "Alright then. I'll let you do that. But at the very least, can you promise that you'll let me know if you need anything?" Helena asks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 "Of course. If anything arises, I will definitely ask you for assistance." Darius answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 "Hey, you two!" Cadence called out as they approached the fountain, "Come over here for a minute, something's come up!" Just like with Madante Earlier, explain what's going on with the Illegal Poison shop, the shady clerk, the hooded man, and the alleged assassination attempt about to go down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 "Clarisse, must you be so stubborn? Even your friend is worried," Clarrise's mom notes, looking at Rayne's expressions. "Don't you think you should just stay home and continue on with our work?" she asks in a slightly more aggressive tone. "Mom, don't you think you're pushing this a little too hard? Clarisse seems to have found her own life to live. Can't you accept that?" Caleb pleads with his mother. "And what of our family trade? Do you expect me to just let her go about as she pleases and abandon the family? Is that what you want?" Clarisse's mom angrily responds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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