Hunters of Terra Dolor (Role Playing Section)

[ExoGrim]

A New Comer
ExoGrim and Dahlexpert

Serasam
Trail to the Havenbrook Manor
June 22nd, 3349
9:28am

Kal slowly walked up the trail to the Havenbrook manor. It was time he met this unknown person he had been sensing for so long… and redeem himself for what he couldn’t control. As he approached the the end of the hill, he smelled something off. He sniffed a few more time to make sure. It was the smell of wolf fur. Kal stealthily followed the scent, noticing the small den just off the main trail. What’s a wolf den doing this close to a civilized area? He pondered before getting closer to the den.

He sees a man in armor as well as a woman training together, the man using a wooden sword on her and the woman using magic. The man easily beat the woman, but picked her up. “You're getting better Elma, but you need to get over your fear of killing. That’s the only thing holding you back.”

“It’s not that easy Brother. Just give me some time with that alright?”

Charter rubbed her head. “I know but you have to get past this, but you work at your own pace. Let’s take a break.”

The wanderer slowly walked up to the duo, a puzzled look on his face. “What brings you two to a wolf den?”

The wolves started to surround the man, and growling at him.Charter whistled and the wolves backed off. “These are my wolves. So what bring you out here? you looking for the Havenbrook manor?”

“Yes, that is why I came up this trail.” The man responded. “But I couldn’t help but smell the wolves you call yours. What did you do to tame a pack of dire wolves?”

“Yep the white one is named Slone. He leads them and I earned their trust by having a fight with these wolves.”

Elma looked at the man. “Is there any way we can help you sir? Why are you looking for our guild?”

As Elma looked at the man, his gaze showed a hidden hunger. He looked at his bag, noticing the lack of rations. “Other than permission into the manor, some food would be nice… if you have any to spare of course.”

Charter looked at boar the wolves were eating earlier but remembered that Elma hunted an elk earlier. “I’ll be back we were going to eat some elk.” Charter went to the side and grabbed a large chunk of cooked elk meat. “There you can have my piece.”

Kal grabbed the piece of elk meat and took a large bit out of it. “Thank you. It’s hard to get decent nutrition when you’re wanted.”

Charter put his hand on his sword. “You're wanted? So what exactly do you want with the guild, but more importantly Mina?”

“Just a second chance.” The traitor answered honestly, taking another ridiculously sized bite out of the meat.

Charter let go of his sword. “So you're looking for a second chance... well this guild is perfect for that.”

Elma clapped her hands. “Yea this guild is fantastic. They’re like a giant family.”

“Is that so…” the wanderer muttered, internally surprised at their friendliness. “You mentioned a Mina. Is that your guild leader?”

Elma nodded her head.”Yea she’s a great and caring leader, and cares for all of us.”

“Agreed she’s also very strong, and fast from what I heard. So you're looking for a second chance. She can help with that.”

Kal’s face shifted so that he was looking on the ground. “I just hope my training paid off…”

“Well I’m here, and I never killed before and they took me in. But I’m trying my best it also helps I’m a great mage though.”

The traitor looked at Charter. “I noticed you too sparring earlier. Would you be up for a round once we make it to the guild?”

“Sure, it’s been awhile since I had competition not since.” Charter remembered his fight with the warlord god.” Never mind.”

“He trained with the warlord god, to see if he could be one of his soldiers.” Elma blurted.

Kal gave Charter a confused look. “You fought a god?”

Charter gave Elma a dirty look, like he wanted to scold her. “Yes I trained with a god. It’s something I don’t want everyone knowing about.”

The wanderer sat on a nearby log. “Good to know I’m not the only one with a divine presence to worry about.”

“Well it’s not something I worry about, it’s more of me being honored that I got one’s attention.”

“Yea so much that he visited him, that’s a great honor to him.” Elma looked at the man. “So why are you a criminal, what did you do?”

“I…” The traitor began, but he stopped himself and looked down at the dirt. “Would rather not talk about it.”

Charter looked at the man. “Well it doesn't matter you're going to have to tell our boss, if she wants to trust you or even let you join the guild.”

“Then I’ll tell them when I get there.” Kal replied, seeming slightly irritated. “For now, I don’t want my mistakes to be made public.”

“Very well then, but just be careful Mina is a very strong leader. So I recommend you watch your words around her.”

“Thanks for the advice.” The wanderer said as he got back to his feet. “Now, I think it’s time you showed me this guild you were talking about.”

“Very well then best get to it then.” Charter and Elma escorted the man to the guild house, the entire time Slone was behind the man waiting for him to do something. After a while they finally reached the manor. “Whelp there it is, home sweet home.” Charter said to the man.

“Quite a big place.” The criminal remarked, before looking back at the siblings. “I never did catch your names, now that I think about it. Mine’s Kal. Kal Engral”

“I’m Charter and this is my sister Elma... wait Engral, I’ve heard about that name well the last name anyway. Your family is one of the best hunters in this land right?”

“Yeah, that would be my parents alright.” Kal remarked. “Though, they wouldn’t recognize me as their son even if I was right in front of them.”

“Hum… well I wish you luck with Mina then. After you're done with her, we can train together.”

“Now hold on Charter can’t we help him just a bit with Mina?”

“No, this is something only he can do Elma. All you can do is wish him luck.”

Kal began to walk off, waving behind himself as he did. “In that case, I’ll see you in a bit. I’m sure I can find you when I’m done.”

 

[Dahlexpert]

Dhalexpert and Zombiesplitter53

Plans coming along

Serasam
Alice castle
June 19,3349
1:27 PM
Alice was looking at a map of Terra and pinpointed places to raid, recruit new allies as well as add the bandit island to the map. She turned to her loyal allies and said." Lorica how is the beast hunting going?"

Lorica smiled in excitement. "It's going fantastic, I love this new land I captured about 10 what people call worgs already. As well as some giant bears as well."

"Good Ackerley how’s the armor coming along ?"

"Great mam, it's a good thing you made a forge here but my men and I have took it upon ourselves to a few smelters to the area, and were in the process of making armor for Lorica new beast and those silver weapons are going fantastic as well."

"Great good job you two." Alice looked to her Thrall and Rumi. “Crixus how's the men's training going, I take there not happy about it?"

"Better then you thought mistress, ever since you showed your fangs at them. They been very cooperative, there becoming very good soldiers now."

"Excellent that great to hear." Alice then turned to Alago." Alago how is your new lab coming along, I hope every things is going well since we made it a proper alchemy lab?"

The vampiric alchemist chuckled and tapped his fingers together. "Well, malady. Quite well. I am currently working on the hypnosis formula, along with a little something to assure your undead warriors last longer without your magic to sustain them."

"Excellent work that's nice to hear, now then everyone get back to your stations." As everyone left, Alice looked at Rumi." Get back here Rumi I still need to hear your report on my sister."

"Y-yes, well..." Rumi shrugged. "I'm afraid there isn't much to report. No fussing. No attempts to escape. I guess your kindness work. She just sits there, meditating or something."

"That’s good to hear." Alice exhaled." We relay come a long way huh, I've been out of prison for five months now and I already have an army at my back it's pretty impressive."

Rumi nodded. "It is more than most can claim to accomplish in such little time." Her expression suddenly turned dark, and she drew her pistol, firing at Alice. It flew past her head and hit someone in the shadows behind her.

"Ow!" Seclavar stepped forward, holding his forehead. "Damn it, just because that doesn't kill me doesn't mean it doesn't hurt, you know?!"

Alice looked at Seclavar confused. "Nice shot Rumi." Alice went to the Seclavar and keeled down to him." Well hello there son of the goddess of discord, it's been a while since you've seen me hasn't it?"

"Yeah, a bit. Not the warmest of welcomes." He concentrated, and the metal bullet popped out of the hole in his head. "Been away for a while. You know... soul searching. Though I'd come to say hi and, uh... warn you about my mother."

Alice expression darkened and told Rumi to leave the room." Let me guess her Stormrned plan failed as expected and as I told her, the Have Brook guild had a hand in it. Am I near the answer?"

Seclavar nodded. "Look, she has been really unstable since she killed Grimora. M... more so then usual, I mean. I just wanted to give you a heads up considering, you know... You tend to push her buttons."

"And I enjoy doing that, every time, but while I wait." Alice got closer to Seclavar. "But is while I wait for her, is there something I can do for you?"

Seclavar's eyes shifted back and forth. He let out a nervous laugh. "Um... n-not that I... what... what did you have in mind?"


Alice held the mans arm between her breast. "Ou come now I read about the gods even though i'm a vampire, your son is the god of fear isn't it? And the mother being your mom. That's horrible isn't it, well it may be different for gods but sex with your mother is bad so why not try something else instead." This being the first time the god has seen Alice like this, from the first time he saw her.

He chuckled again. "This is... so sudden. I mean... why me? I'm sure you could have any guy you want."

"I don't care for humans, I mean outside my thralls of course. And I know no own race won't have me, so why not a god. Also I’m sure your mother has been very annoying to you, so why not release some stress I don't mind."

Seclavar finally smiled. "Well now... I have always liked bats. So... why not have a little fun."

"Oh, my." Tecunte sat against the banister. "It looks to me like you're trying to seduce my boy." Despite Seclavar's warnings, Tecunte had a smile on her face. "Didn't know you had it in you."

Alice expression changed and she turned to the goddess smiling. "Why hello Tecunte dare I ask what brings you to my home this time?"

"Just stopping in to see my favorite cohort." The goddess walked over and handed her a thermos. "I made you some coffee. Figured even goddesses need a pick me up. I added a special ingredient." She leaned in close and whispered. "The secret ingredient is fresh human blood."

In the back of Alice head she didn't want to trust the goddess after all the arguments they had, so she took the cup and held it in her hand." So how's the stormrend thing going?"

Tecunte's smile widened. "All has gone as planned." She sighed and tilted her head to the side. "Unfortunately, my subject there has bit the dust. He was strong, but I'm afraid he was overwhelmed. But... eggs and omelettes, right?"

Even Seclavar was surprised by her attitude and left a bit speechless.

Alice put the coffee down and looked at the goddess. "Tecunte as a vampire, I lie to constantly I wear a disguise so people don't know i'm a vampire, so as a person that lives a lie I know a lair so what relay happen." Alice pulled out a paper, the head line saying killer of nobles finally put down and praising the Have Brook guild for it. "Or does this count."

Tecunte chuckled. "Yes, that would be the minion I lost." She took the paper and skimmed it. "But you see, I knew those guild folk would interfere. They are a predictable sort. Where is it, where is it? Ah!" She put down the paper down and pointed to a lengthy paragraph in the article. "Check that out."

Seclavar craned his neck to look over. "Shen Wu, huh? Wait... he's a criminal. Why would you be happy that the Stormrend military going after him."

"Tks, Tks, my boy. Don't you see? He isn't just a criminal. He's a mobster! As in organized crime. Organized. Without him, the criminal element of Stormrend destabilizes. The underground is unstable. The nobility is unstable. The citizenry is unstable." She smiled at Alice. "Havenbrook won the battle... but the war is still mine." She held up a hand. "Sorry... the war is ours."

"Ugh boy this should be interesting then I guess I will have to come back to Stormrend once I get there, however i'm sure things will go whatever way it does. I'm not sure the nobles will let mobsters run around, but if they cause a few casualty then that's more dead for me to use."

"Exactly, exactly! I love us working together! Get along and what not." She picked up the thermos. "Mind if I have a sip?"

"Knock yourself out, I don't mind." Alice went back to her maps and grabbed the coffee and took a sip but held it in her mouth." Not bad." Alice then looked at the map." Ugh, I ran into a group of bandits on the island there leader want's me to give her Drăculești, if I do then she will aide me in the coming war."

"Seems like a big price." Tecunte stepped next to her. "You storm Drăculești. You do the fighting. You risk your men. You do all the work. And in the end, she gets the city for the possibility that she'll aid you in the following battles? Seems pretty sketchy if you ask me."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

Seclavar looked over. "As much as it pains me to say, she has a point. What is stopping her from taking the city, sealing you out, and telling you to go screw yourself? Bandits and pirates aren't known for how trustworthy they are..."

"Because she's an island that she's been there for six hundred years, she let me bring two bandit leaders her with me to recruit. Besides if she wanted to take the city herself she would have by now, she has the numbers plenty of them. Besides if she betrays me I could kill her once I get the seven, and she's a half breed vampire any way so she's not that strong."

"Well... I'll leave that up to you to decide. Just don't underestimate your allies, and more then your enemies. Else you'll have a repeat of what happened with the Band of..." Tecunte shook her head. "Sorry, don't mean to poke fun. Actually, I might have some good news about them."

Alice drunk more of the coffee this time swallowing it." Do you now know were o e of them are?"

"Actually." She moved over to Seclavar. "I've had my boy here tracking them. We know where all of them are. It is just a matter of you picking which one you want first."

Alice looked over the man." Ou have you now, that's good to hear, so which one is nearest to me."

"Gravel." Seclavar answered.

"He's the only other human member of the Band of Seven besides Rumi." Tecunte smiled. "The big guy with the lust for battle."

"Gravel." Seclavar answered.

"He's the only other human member of the Band of Seven besides Rumi." Tecunte smiled. "The big guy with the lust for battle."

"Hum that's good to know, I could have Rumi and Lorica and Crixus go after him. Let them get a chance to work on team work."

"Oh, quite the big task for them?" Tecunte tapped her lips. "I'm surprised, though. If I recall, he hit you in the face and tossed you like a toy. Surprised you don't want to deal with him personally."

"I need to keep training myself, while I can probable take him. I want to test my men, like I did during our first raid Crixus led it I trust my men to handle any situation there in. I believe in them."

"Alright. Should be entertaining at the very least." Tecunte walked up to the map and pointed to a spot south of the map. "This is where he was last seen, though I'd wait until that mind control potion is ready. Not to mention make a plan using that girl's knowledge."


"I know, for the most part I will get those three ready. Are there any other, were is that Girl I killed but was brought back to life."

"Marlee Sabano?" Seclavar walked over and pointed to the east. "She on the border to Mirandia, searching the mountains in case you fled that way. It would take quite a while to get to her from here."

"Have a personal grudge?" Tecunte asked with a grin.

"You could say that, I prefer people I kill to ether say dead or when I bring them back from the dead. So she's mine."

Tecunte chuckled. "Well, good luck." She formed a portal to take her leave. "But remember, don't underestimate them. I'd hate to lose you now that we are actually being civil with each other."

Alice waver her hand goodbye and turned back to Seclevar." So thank you for finding the seven for me, now then can we get back to what we were doing earlier. I have not messed around for a hundred and fifty years."


Seclavar grinned. "Pleasure before business, huh?" He walked over and placed his hands on her hips. "Been a while for me too to be honest."

Alice kissed the mans cheek." I think I could use some time off the war, come on I will show you my bed room." Alice escorted the god to her room and open the door and practically dragged the man inside and got on top of his. And started to kiss him passionately.

After the deed, Alice laid next to the god." Well it's been a while since I retracted my fangs and nailed for that."

Seclavar lightly stroked her bare hip. "I wouldn't have minded a few claw marks." He looked into her eyes. "Seriously, though, you're quite the firecracker, you know?"

"Well I have by vampire standards I'm a child, but older the all mortals."

Seclavar laughed. "You, my dear, are no child. You are a woman. A very, very sexy woman who has shown a lesser god a good time."

"I wouldn't call you a lesser God, your still a god." It was then Rumi peeked her head in on her master.

You face reddened. "Oh! I-I'm sorry! I-I hadn't heard from you in a while! I'm sorry!"


Alice sat up, this bring the first time Rumi got a good look at Alice figure." Were done with our business, beside I have a mission for you."

"U-um... okay?" Rumi peeked through her fingers, sizing up the two attractive people before her.

"Want me to split," The Thrope-like god asked.

"As much as I don't want you to, yea be careful around your mother she may have finally lost it."


"Finally? She lost it a while ago." He stood up, not bothering to get dressed before opening his portal. "See ya, Rumi."

Rumi yelped softly, her face beat red. "B-bye." She slowly lowered her hands as he left, letting out a sigh of relief. "I-I didn't think he would be so... um, well equipped."

"Rumi focous on the task at hand." Alice got out of bed and started getting dressed." We found two of the seven, one is nearby you Lorica and Crixus will handle him. He's the other human in that group, the one that sent me flying."

"Um... Gravel?" Rumi asked, her head sulking a bit.

"Yea him, you three should be able to take him, call it team building. As for me there's one near Merida that I'm going after, loud mouth woman arrogant ring any bells?"

"You mean Marlee." Rumi stepped forward. "Please be careful. She is very strong. Stronger then you might think?"

"I killed her the last time, I'll capture her this time. Don't forget get Rumi." Alice had a small flame coming out of her palm." I'm not the same Alice from a few months ago."

Rumi nodded. "And we're capturing Gravel, right? Not... not killing him, right?"

"Right no killing, talk to Alagor he's working on a position for the seven to obey me and be nice we're all in this together. Despite past history ok?" Alice Sayed while finishing getting dressed."

Rumi nodded. "Right, of course." She turned to leave before looking back and saying, "You... you are quite lovely, master."

"Thank you, benefit of being a vampire I don't age after twenty."

Rumi smiled. "I am envious, m'lady," she said as she walked off.

Alice stood up and went to the nearest bucket and vomiting in it." Ugh even though she was nice earlier I still don't trust that goddess who knows what she put in that drink."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Dahlexpert & ZombieSplitter53
To Speak the Truth

Havenbrook Manor
Library
June 25th, 3349

Charter, after finishing his last mission and not spending weeks with Esmerelda, figured it was time he visited her. "Es! Hey Es, are you around here?" Charter looked all over the library and for the first time, Esmerelda is nowhere to be found. "Okay, this is weird. Where could she be?"

"You looking for your lady friend?" Dorothée Arnauld asked as she placed a few books onto the shelves.

"Yeah, you seen her around? For once, she's not in the library."

The bat Thrope crossed her arms and lowered her head. "Let me... think. Oh yes! She was in here, though I am sure this is know to you. She is leaving to go to the garden with... uh..." She didn't finish, laughing awkwardly.

"She's going to the garden. Great, thanks for the help." Charter started to make his way to the garden.

With summer in full swing, the garden was lush and beautiful. Several gardeners were around attending to the bushes and flowers. The occasional bumblebee, butterfly, or ladybug flew about. Aemilia was in her spot, tending to the few flowers she cared for, having had them moved away from any thorny plants.

Charter found Esmeralda in the center of the garden, and she wasn't alone. A strong, fit looking Elf was with her, tall and handsome with tan skin and short, black hair. She laughed at something he said before kissing him on the cheek, and he pulled her into a tight hug.

Charter felt something he never felt before. A great anger started to come over him as he marched his way to the two Elves. "ES!" Charter shouted, his tone being much different then what Esmeralda is used to.

Esmeralda stepped away from the other man. "C-Charter! I... I didn't know you were back. I, um... I would have... prepared better."

"Prepare? That's a way of putting it. I know I haven't seen you in a while Es, but you seem to be getting friendly with whoever this person is."

Es looked between him and the stranger. "Well... why wouldn't I get friendly with him? I mean, you were away, and I need someone to make me feel good."

Charter's eyes started to twitch. "I trained my sis, trying to get her combat ready. I know I avoided you at first Es, but come on." Charter then calmed down and remember that she was an air head. "Alright, first Es, who is this man, and what were you doing with him to make you feel good?" He ask in a calm matter.

"What?" Esmeralda scratched her head. "I never... oh, yeah! He wasn't there, was he? Charter, this..."

The man stepped away from her, placing his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I don't like the way you're talking to her, or the way you speak as if I am not here. Not to mention it is rude to not introduce oneself before asking who another is." He stepped within a few feet of Charter. "That's three strikes right off the bat." With that, he swung his sword.

Charter used his shield to block the attacks, then grabbed the man's sword and pulled him forward, enough so Charter could headbutt him. "I don't like being attacked out of nowhere."

"And I don't like thick headed men messing with my Esmeralda!" The man headbutted Charter back twice as hard before grabbing his arm and flipping him to the ground.

"Stop this!" Esmeralda yelled. "Don't hurt him!"

"Oh, I won't. I'll leave him mostly uninjured!" Charter swept the man's leg from under him, and got on top of him. He rained down punches to his face and ribs.

"I-I... wasn't talking to you, Charter!"

Charter's body froze and was elected by an unseen force. Looking to his sides, he saw shackles of dark energy holding his wrists in place. The Elf stood up, wiped the blood from his lip, and started punching Charter in the kidneys.

Character struggled trying to get the chains off him. "Dark magic. And here I was going to go easy on you."

The man laughed. "Is that right? Well, far be for me to have an easy time at it." With that, he removed the magical cuffs and held up his arms to defend.

"Will you two please stop before someone is seriously hurt?!" Esmeralda yelled, starting to look frustrated.

"You mind telling me who this man is, Esmeralda? Before I decide to knock him out!"

"He's my brother!" Es shouted. "His name is Diamante, and right now he is making me very upset!"

"Your brother!" Character stood shocked and looked at the man. "I thought he was in your home country. What's he doing here?"

Diamante suddenly socked him in the side of the head, ringing his bell and knocking him to the ground. Esmeralda rushed over to Charter and held up her hand. "Stop it! This is my boyfriend, Charter. Stop hitting him."

The Elf shrugged. "I don't care who he is. He needs to be more respectful when talking to my sister."

"He is respectful!" Esmeralda held Charter's head. "Are you okay? I'm so sorry."

Charter took Es' hand and stood up. He then charged Diamante and uppercut him, sending him back first into the stone chair. "I'm better now." He put his foot on the man's chest, pinning him down. "Now before you try attacking me again, hear me out. I talked in that tone with Es because I thought she was cheating on me, that's all." He looked at Esmeralda." And I'm sorry for thinking that." He got off the man and offered his hand.

Diamante groaned and took his hand, rising to his feet. "You always sucker punch people to try and beat them?"

Esmeralda rolled her eyes. "You did it first."

"Details, details." The Elf looked Charter up and down. "So... you're the boyfriend, huh? I missed Esmeralda's call. I was traveling to meet with some buyers in Mirandia. Though Es' letters have been very detailed."

"Oh, you were going to my home. Well that's good to hear. Nice to meet you in person. If you haven't caught my name, it's Character Van Dam."

Es elbowed him in the side. "Be nice. He is headstrong and quick to violence, but he loves me and was trying to protect me. I think you can relate to that."

"I got you. So Diamante, was it? When did you get here, or know Es was in the guild?"

Es' brother chuckled. "Esmeralda is a lot of things, but what she isn't is a good liar. She might have the others fooled, but I knew from the start that she didn't work at the university."

Esmeralda nodded. "I confided in him. If it wasn't for him covering for me, the others would have known by now."

Diamante stepped over and placed a hand on Esmeralda's shoulder. "I was passing through and I felt like visiting. It's been a year since I saw her in person. You can only stay connected through letters so much."

"Hum." Charter rubbed he's beard and asked, "Say Diamante, when are you leaving?"

Diamante folded his arms. "Pretty soon. That eager to get rid of me, huh?"

"Yes and no." Charter turned to Esmeralda. "Why don't we go with him? You know, so I can see the rest of your family in person, and so you can tell the where you've been for all these years."

Diamante nodded his head. "I actually agree with him. You have put on this ruse for long enough. It is time the truth is revealed."

Es quickly shook her head. "No it isn't! Why... why can't we keep this lie forever?"

"Es, it's much harder to lie then to tell the truth. You can't keep lying forever, and eventually if not already, they'll have the question of how you met a wealthy knight at a school's library?"

"You were there... s-studying?" she said with a nervous laugh. Her brother sighed and shook his head.

Charter put his hand on his forehead and rubbed his head. Charter got closer to Esmerelda and held her. "Es, I care for you and I want you to be honest with your family. I mean, what should I think? You've been lying to your family for years. How can I trust you if you lie to your own family?"

"Y-you can trust me! You can!" Esmeralda pouted, and lowered her head. "O... okay. You win. I'll tell them the truth." She looked up again. "But you have to be there by my side. Or else... I-I don't think I'd have the courage."

Charter held Es closer, practically hugging her, and started to rub her back. "I will be there for you. Do you think I will be anywhere else but by your side?"

Diamante smiled at them. "Well now... I think you need to work on your fighting prowess,but it is good to see my sister found such a supportive man."

Charter looked at Diamante. "You realize that you're a civilian to me right? On principle, I'm not allowed to kill you nor truly hurt you too much. If I were to tell you the amount of things I fought and bea,t you be surprise. Oh." Charter looked down at Esmeralda. "Can I introduce your family to Slone as well?"

Es nodded. "That would be fine. Just don't be offended if Rubi gets scared."

"I won't be In fact, I think once she gets to know him, she will love him the most. But I'm prepared for you whole family to be scared, even your big sister."

Diamante cleared his throat. "I'll make preparations to depart. Make sure you're ready soon." With that, he walked off.

"Oh, we will be." Charter looked at Es. "So, you're really that nervous, huh?"

Esmeralda nodded. "My father is quite strict. But... if you are by my side, I think I can pull it off."

"That's why I'm here. I have to give you support after all. You will be the bearer of my future children, and no, I did not forget that I have been denying you the pleasures of our relationship."

Esmeralda giggled. "What say we go spend a little alone time before we prepare to leave?"

Charter kissed Esmerelda' forehead. "I would like that. It has been weeks since we were alone. Again sorry for that."

"You were working, and I completely understand. Come on." Esmeralda grabbed his hand and pulled him along. "We got a baby to try and make."

Charter held Esmerelda's hand and they walked to Charter's room. "I really have missed this part," he said as he started to kiss her.

 

[ExoGrim]

A Dark Presence Approaching
Frostlich1228 and ExoGrim

Serasam
Havenbrook Manor
June 16th, 3349
12:02pm

Magdalene, just recently back from her mission to Stormrend, had much to think about from the trip. The unfortunate death of Akane still lingering in her mind, perhaps she could've done more, but the woman seemed to prefer it like this, her lifespan already unnaturally long.

Then there was the death of Even, the higher ranked hunter they had went with. Despite the fact Mags hadn't known him very well, it still disturbed her and she couldn't stop herself from his family, which had now lost two children.

Almost in spite of these events however, Mags immediately found herself at Zulik's door, feeling bad for the fact that the mission had caught her off gaurd and forced her to cancel her dinner with the Elf.

"Uhm... Zulik? You there?" The Sheep asked, hoping to reach his ears through the door.

Zulik was passed out on his bed, having little time to sleep with the presence fast approaching. With the sudden feeling gone for the moment, the corrupted elf had been out like a light for several hours.

Checking the door briefly, the Sheep found that it was unlocked,opening it slightly. "Do... Do I really want to intrude in his room?"

Nervously, the farm girl poked her through the door, scanning the room and spotting Zulik asleep. "Oh... He's asleep... I should come back later..."

Zulik rolled around in his sleep, ending up on his side. His regular arm was underneath him and he used his gauntlet arm to hold his pillow.

Mags blushed a little as she watched him, "He's out like a light... M-maybe I could do something R-romantic... Would he like that?"

The Sheep stepped fully into the room, finding a chair and watching him sleep. "He's... He's kind of cute when he sleeps..."

After a few minutes, Zulik's eyes began to open, Mags being the first thing he saw. His normally grey cheeks turn slightly red. "Oh, Mags. Back from Stormrend I see."

"Oh! U-uh, you're awake! I wasn't staring..." The Sheep jumped slighlty, looking to side briefly.

Zulik smiled lightly. "I'm just glad you're came back safely."

"Yeah... Thanks. It was a little close, but Sylvie and Eraqus saved me..." Mags said, putting her hands together.

Zulik got to sat up in his bed and yawned. "I just hope I don't fall asleep at your parents place... it would be kinda embarrassing."

"You remembered! Well... It was only a few days ago..." Mags exclaimed before recalling. "I mean... If you want to sleep longer, we could do it tomorrow..."

The corrupted Elf went to say something, but lowered his gaze. After a moment, he gave his new response. "I unfortunately won't be able to sleep... but I think me leaving could endanger the guild. The presence that has been making it's way to the Manor is almost here. I want to go with you, but I need to prepare myself for he it gets here. It's putting me in a rough spot."

"You mean the presence from before? It really is coming here then?" Mags confirmed, giving him a concerned look.

Yes." Zulik sighed. "The fact that it's so close has been keeping me up most nights. I'm sorry for giving you an empty promise. I don't think I'll be able to head over to your parents for dinner."

"No no... Um..." Mags hesitated, "It's okay. Whatever this presence is, it sounds serious..."

"That it is." The priest muttered. "I just hope I'll be able to fight it."

"I'll be there with you, I promise..." Mags leaned forward and put her hand over his normal one.

Zulik smiled weakly. "You always have been... even when I haven't been there for you."

"You mean the mission? I don't blame you, you have this presence to think about..." Magdalene replied.

Zulik sat there silent. Something was obviously on his mind, but it seemed like he was too afraid to say it.

"Zulik...?" She spoke, seeming to grow a little more worried. "Is something the matter?"

"I'm not sure." Zulik admitted. "I just feel like I'm not good enough to be in this guild anymore."

"What do you mean? You're the epitome of a great Hero." Mags reassured, admiration in her tone.

Zulik sighed. "Except for the fact that I'm a horrible leader and my magic only brings destruction when I use it."

"Well... You use your magic to help people, right? You don't use it to destroy things for no reason..." Magdalene said, moving to sit on the bed with him.

"Yes... I'm just afraid that I may hurt someone I care about with it." Zulik slouched his shoulders. "And I would be able to forgive myself if I did... especially if it was you."

"I don't understand... Why do you think you'll hurt someone? Is it about your corruption?" The Sheep leaned over, her eyebrows arched up.

"It feels like there's something more to this than my corruption." The priest explained. "Like there's something inside of me that wants the world to burn."

"The World to burn..." Mags mouthed quietly, "I know you can beat this, whatever it is Zulik... You're brave and strong... And we're all here for you..."

A tear streaked down the corrupted Elf's cheek. "And this is why I chose you. You're always seeing the best in people and helping them do the same."

"I... I look up to you honestly... Seeing how brave and strong you are, despite everything, makes me believe I can be as strong as you one day..." Mags admitted to him, "You're not just a hero... You're... You're my hero too..."

"Than I guess that makes you my little angel." Zulik replied, kissing her on the forehead.

Mags froze for a brief moment, as if the kiss had caused her proverbial motors to lock up. "I-I am...? That's..."

"So I can't complement you without you getting flustered?" Zulik teased with a coy smile. "I see how it is."

"W-well! Hang on a minute! You called me an Angel... That's different... Only my parents ever called me that..." Mags said, defending her embarrassment.

"Maybe it's because you are one." The corrupted Elf placed a hand on her head. "You're always able to cheer me up no matter how dark my thoughts are."

Mags tapped her pointer fingers together, "I do my best... Maybe it's my role to play..."

"And you're the best at it." The priest stated before standing up. "Now, I should warn Lady Havenbrook about the incoming threat. I'll be back as soon as I can. And then we can see about saying hello to your parents."

"Alright..." The Sheep said, nodding slowly. "You know Zulik... Maybe we can just... Invite them here?"

"That actually doesn't sound like a good idea." Zulik remarked. "I'm sure they'd love to meet the people here."

"M-Maybe we should just... Have them stay with us..." She said, rubbing the back of her neck.

"It's an idea." Zulik muttered. "I'd like to be able to meet them before I make any final judgments though."

"I... I hope you'll like them..." Magdalene looked off to the side.

"I hope so too." Zulik waved her good bye. "I'll see you in a bit."

"You too..." Mags said before quickly stopping him, blushing lightly. "I-I love you Z-Zulik..."

The corrupted Elf gave her a smile. "I love you too."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1288 & ZombieSplitter53
Boarding the Underground Railroad
Part One

Capital City of Virtuosa, Themosa
Kingsglave Cemetery
June 27th, 3349
5:43 p.m.

The setting sun cast dark shadows on the various graves, giving off an intimidating air. A gentle fog was ankle deep as a lone figure stood before a lot. This cemetery was reserved for nobles and kings, and before them was the graves for the Devolina family. It was overgrown. Unattended. Unloved. And there was nothing the woman could do about it. She simply stared forward, her face obscured under a good. Only a few blonde locks poked out as she moved on, looking for her current target.

"A shovel," she whispered. "Look for... a shovel."

As she searched among the vine covered graveyard, she spotted what looked to be a rusted Iron shovel sticking out of the ground near one of the tombstones closer to the edgd of the cemetery. The Fog seemed faintly brighter near the grave and rusted shovel, as well, dull green flowers had grown around the base of the tool. According to her friend in the resistance, a shovel was what she was looking for.

She took a deep breath. Trust was not easy for her, and she wasn't sure she was prepared for a trap. It had to be done though, so she quickly made her way over, keeping her eyes peeled.

As she reached the shovel and touched it, a deep voice could be heard coming from behind a nearby willow. "Well... Looks like I have a visitor..."

The Man walked around, sporting long grey hair that hung down into his face and a thick beard. He wore a grey, dingy outfit and his brown cloth pants were caked with mud at the bottom. As Far as she could tell however, he didn't seem to be a Thrope, that, or his affinity wasn't outwardly visible.

She tightened her hands into fists. "You though groundskeeper? Or do you offer more, such as help to those not yet in their grave?"

"Guess I'm both..." He replied gruffly, looking over toward some newer, unmarked graves near the entrance. "Worked at this graveyard for... Forty years now... Not officially anymore, no one takes care of this place officiall these days... but... someone needs to be here, at least to treat those Thropes better than they were treated in life... And to try to stop new ones from havin' to be buried..."

The blonde woman nodded. "A noble cause. Though the nobles themselves don't seem to care about that. They'll put as many Thropes in a grave as needed to make sure the ones that are still alive fall in line."

"That they will... All this death, gives them power... Keeps them at the top..." He sighed lowly, his head down. "I think the world already has enough bodies in it myself..."

"Agreed." The woman reached up and tugged a few strands of hair off her head and held them up. After a mere second, they changed from yellow to a deep red. "I want to change things. And I'm hoping you can introduce me to others who want to do the same."

"Ms. Devolina..." The man said, looking up at her slowly. "I recognise you... There's a lot of your family here..."

"You have my condolences... I wish this place could be in a better state, but I am the only one here, just one old man."

"I would take care of my family graves if I wasn't a fugitive. Right now, I need to focus on the living." She took a step forward. "I need to see your bosses. The main guys. Big cheese. I have plans for this country, but I need their help."

He nodded slowly, "Personally, I don't believe what the media says about you... That your people caused those riots... The tragedy... But I have to ask... You're from a noble family, if you just decided to sit back and keep quiet... You could live reasonably well... At least for a Thrope... Why do you do it? Why do you go so far?"

Korra spat to the side. "There are enough 'noble' Thropes just sitting on their hands, happy with the scraps of power they get as long as they live comfortably. They're figure heads to please the masses, and they're fine with that. I refuse to sit by while my people suffer. If no one else will stand up for them, then I will."

The man finally cracked a smile, nodding, "That's good enough for me... They call me Digger, I'm a Railroad Attendant... You want to see the bosses eh...? Want 'em to help your cause?"

"I'm sure they are exactly the people I am looking for," Korra confirmed.

"Well... You seem like a good sort, and I've been expecting this meeting... I know about your friend..." He stated, walking up and pulling the shovel out of the ground. "The Next step from here to to bring you to meet one of our Conductors... Our Agents... Thankfully, we're pretty close..."

"To this agent of yours? Please, lead the way." Korra rubbed her arm. "As much as I hate it, being out in the public of my own home makes me nervous."

Digger nodded, taking thr shovel out of the ground in both hands and pressing it into the dirt of the grave nearby. The Shovel seemed to stop only a few inches in as he pulled the dirt up, revealing a wooden door with faint slivers of light shining through. After but a moment the dirt was cleared, with that done Digger slowly bend down, taking hold of a metal chain and pulling the door open to reveal a tunnel. "This Way..."

"Fancy." She walked down the tunnel. "Dangerous having the meeting in the same place as this hidden place. What if I wasn't on the up and up?"

As soon as she finished, the tunnel split into three path, then those split into three, then so on in the dimly lit tunnel. The Human tapped the side of his head, "The only map is up in here... They could be looking for ages, and by that time, they'd know something was up..."

"Clever." Korra grinned at him. "I could use some of these tunnels for our use. And the engineers to make them. One more thing to discuss."

"I dug most of these myself back in my youth... Been an Attendant for longer than most... It's not an easy thing in this line of work..." He said, taking a left.

Korra closely followed, not wanting to get lost. "Wow. Didn't know the underground has been along for so long. Uh... not... not that I'm calling you old or... anything..."

"I dug them originally for another group of freedom fighters, but they didn't have as long of a run as The Railroad has had..." He went on, taking a left then going straight ahead.

"Well, if I have my way, you guys will be able to hang up your conductor hats. Because I'm not stopping until all Thropes are free."

"That's a loftly persuit.... But one I can stand behind..." He replied. "Sad thing is, it's been this way for so long, people might not know how to live any other way... But I believe..."

"That's what we need!" Korra insisted. "More people to believe this can work! Things will change for the better. I will make them change and I will assure it works for everybody... no matter what I have to do."

Digger smiled as they reached a big chamber, Korra missing a few turns or two thanks to the conversation. As they arrived, Digger walked up to what appeared to only be a wall and knocked in a sequence. "Give it a moment..."

"Uh... give what a moment?" she asked in confusion, removing her hood and scratching her head.

After a brief second, a large rock thought to have been part of the wall was slowly lifted up, dust and dirt falling off of it in a small cloud. After all was said and done, the wall was opened as a man was standing behind it. "Korra, this is our Conductor."

The man stepped out, the nature of his affinity clear as day as his arms and parts of his face were covered in a Crab-like chiten, including having a single, large claw instead of a hand. The rest of his outfit consisted of a pale yellow leather jacket, wire stringed around and through the sleeves, as well as a grayish pair of light cloth pants.

Digger looked back at the Monkey Thrope, "He goes by Cancer."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Boarding the Underground Railroad
Part Two

"Must be hard to steer with that," she said with a nervous laugh, trying to break any tension off the bat. "I, uh... I am Korra Dev..." She pulled a charm out of her pocket and said a small chat. Her hair shifted back to red and her face shifted away from a simpler, less human, more simian look. "I'm Korra Devolina."

"Ahhh... Devolina... Peacock was expecting you to pop up sooner or later... If you didn't find us, we were planning to find you. Thanks for saving us a trip." The Man walked forward, despite being smaller in stature, only around five foot, Korra could tell he was all muscle under that jacket. "And No, I never had trouble steering. My parents and I were Slaves aboard a fishing ship. We never got to steer."

"From slaver to one of the Conductors freeing slaves. Nice upgrade." Korra folded her arms. "Who's Peacock? One of the leaders?"

"Peacock is our leader yes, him and Fancypants. They're in charge of the operations we take part in, who we save, when, and how." The Crustacean Man answered, "I already sent them a notice. They shouldn't be too long considering we've been expecting you."

"They're coming here?" she asked. "Well, this is going better then expected. Um... I hope that didn't make me sound suspicious..."

"Honestly, a little." Cancer admitted, "But to be fair, I'm probably not smart enough to decide if you are or not. That's up to Digger here and Peacock when he gets here."

"Right, well..." She smiled. "Digger here trusts me. We're like two peas in a pod. Interested in meeting this Peacock. Is that a nickname, or is he actually..."

"He is a Peacock Thrope. And before you ask, he wasn't born in Themosa..." Cancer held up a hand. "Honestly if I had a gold piece every time someone has explained to me there aren't Peacocks in Themosa..."

"I wasn't going to ask that," Korra muttered, her expression saying she totally was.

"From what I've heard, he was born in Elluviana. Once he grew up, he got tired of his island and wandered the world, eventually stopping here." Cancer explained briefly. "If you want to know more, you should ask him yourself."

"How long do you think it will be?" Korra asked, trying to hide how impatient she actually was.

"I'm sure it'll be... Eventually... He's rather busy y-" Cancer was interrupted by a noise behind him. A tall man in a bright red suit came from behind the crab, the outfit complementing his stylish dark brown hair in a way. It was currently spiked up and was clearly well cared for, the same could easily be said of the suit as well. To accent the red the man had on a pink bowtie, white undershirt, and well cleaned black shoes.

He cracked his neck slightly, "So... This must be she... Lady Korra Devolina."

"That's right?" Korra placed her hands on her hips. "Though not really Lady Devolina. My nobility was stripped from me a while ago."

Cancer looked back, "Surprised You're here first Fancypants... Peacock busy?"

"He's talking to the family of that monkey kid we saved a while back... Shouldn't be too long." The Red Suited Man stated, "In the meantime, I'm here to chat with Red-Head over here. It's about time you showed up."

"You guys keep talking like you absolutely knew I was coming." Korra looked the new arrival up and down. I... I know you..."

"Oh really? Well, I guess out of all of the people here, I would be the most recognizable..." Fancypants said, walking forward with a swagger. "Although most people only see my Step-Siblings."

"I didn't realize there were more nobles actually trying to help out." Korra grinned. "Though I suppose you have more reason considering how you joined nobility."

"I'm sick of seeing Thropes forced to work twice as hard as Humans for less. I'm tired of seeing them get us to do their work for them while they sit in unearned luxury and spit down." The First Half of the Railroad's leadership replied, "And even though my Mother married into nobility, we're still being stepped on and used because no matter how hard a Thrope works, you'll be robbed of what you deserve. My goal is to put an end to it once and for all, all the bullshit, then we'll be sitting where we should be as heroes."

Korra nodded. "Good plan. But I'm not worried about being a hero. Even if this country hates me, as long as I accomplish my goals, I'll be satisfied." She stepped forward. "But I need your underground and your ability to move people to do it."

"There are a few issues with that Babe." A higher pitched voice said, coming out from behind the two agents. A Well-Built, muscular man stepped forward wearing a black leather outfit addorned with small metal spikes up the arm. He had a few small scars dotting his face from what looked to be knives and a pronounced lightish pink mohawk, obviously dyed.

Along his neck and shoulders were blueberry blue feathers, but behind him, however, was the trademark of his particular bird affinity, large green and blue feathers that popped out from a hole in his pants, colorful 'eyes' addorning the ends of them. "Your resistance isn't exactly known for their subtlety... And the more people use these tunnels, the easier they are to find..."

"Too much subtlety and your point doesn't get across to the masses." Korra looked him over. "You're either Peacock, or you have an affinity for pretty feathers."

"That's right. I'm Peacock." He crossed his arms, "And from what I heard, you want to use our tunnels for your movement... You see, we've been working in the shadows here for a long time Babe, we've seen resistances like yours come and go to no affect. Why is yours any different? Why should we put our entire organization and the slaves we keep safe in danger to support you?"

Korra narrowed her eyes. "Alright, first... the babe thing is kinda annoying. Second, my resistance has something the others don't... money. The others fell because they couldn't fund a large resistance. I can."

"Money is quite the useful resource... It is true that if you can fund all of them, you'll be off to a good start..." He considered, looking over at Fancypants briefly before turning back to her. "But Money's not the only thing you'd need... It also wouldn't be a stretch to say you've got the connections required to get all the intel you need, right?"

Korra folded her arms. "It just so happens that I building a network throughout the country of informants and moles. It is slow going, but it is only a matter of time until we are strong enough to make our move. Though it would help if we had, say, an underground network we can use to transport goods and weapons along with people."

"We get it, you want to use the tunnels... Like a broken record..." Fancypants let out an an annoyed sigh.

"Fine. One last thing Devolina..." Peacock continued, looking her dead in the eye. "What do you plan to do if you win this war? What're you going to do with the guilty party when this is all said and done...?"

Korra stood in silence for a few moments before laughing. "Honestly? I hadn't thought that far ahead. I don't plan to turn them into slaves like they did to us, even if they deserve it. I'll just institute a new order, one where humans, Thropes, and everyone else is equal. Anyone who falls in line can stick around. Any who don't can find another job. There are plenty of people to replace them." Korra raised an eyebrow. "Or do you have a better idea?"

"And what about those that instigated the slavery, the sellers and the buyers? Shouldn't they be brought to justice?" Peacock asked seriously.

"Well... y-yes, of course." Korra scratched her cheek. "I, um... I mean... many are just... following the law now, so... I'm not what punishment would fit. Um... all the slaves would be freed, of course, and... uh..."

"You haven't been thinking about this for very long have you?" The Red-Suited Fancypants raised an eyebrow.

"I ask because it's a devisive question, even between us. There are those who think that a simple banning of slavery is all we need. That in truth, they might not accept such a thing because they were following the law. And there are those out there, more than you might think, that believe that the only way for justice to truly be done is to put the Humans through what we went through, otherwise they'll never understand or care about the pain they caused us..." Peacock walked right up to her.

"Personally, I believe the slavers and buyers must be tried, they must be punished. I believe it should be on an individual basis, judging them using the terms they would if the slaves were Human. Rape, Abuse, Torture, Murder, Mental Breaking, Drugging, Trafficking, Unethical Treatment of all sorts... I've seen it all... First hand what they do." The Peacock Thrope said, motioning for Cancer and Digger to step out, which they did promptly.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Boarding the Underground Railroad
Part Three

Korra frowned deeply. "But... but there is the fact that they were following the law. She shook her head. "We can not persecute them for slavery then turn around and do the same. That is out of the question. As for punishment, there are those that will be tired. Those that killed or maimed. Those that tortured. But... but for those who simply owned slaves and used them like the property the law makes them out to be, we... we can't do anything about that? What precedent would that set? Follow the law, but keep in mind you'll be punished if the law changes? I'm sorry, but no one would ever accept that."

"That's plenty fair, we should only punish the known abusers, those who didn't mistreat their slaves." Peacock agreed, "What I'm saying is that it is a question that has to be answered, otherwise it will be anarchy..."

"Well, now you have my answer." Korra folded her arms, not sure she liked the judgemental way she was being question. "If you failed to show another living being fair treatment, expect punishment. Otherwise, free your slaves without trouble and trouble won't come after you. It might not be ideal to all Thropes, but sacrifices must be made to assure peace."

"That they do..." He put his hands together, sighing. "You know that if you do this, there will be innocent deaths... On both sides... More than there already have been... Sadly, it's a price that must be paid... You'll have to be there, telling parents that their kids won't be coming home, that they paid that price for change, that they died because if a mistake you made... It's part of the job."

Korra slowly nodded. "Anyone who fights for me knows the risk. I know blood will be spilled, but too much of it has already been spilled without me." She looked away. "Besides, if I wasn't already prepared to tell children their parents are gone, I wouldn't have survived the Venatin Square massacre. Oh... sorry, what is the media calling it? The Venatin Square riot?" She closed her eyes. "I lost a lot of good people only interested in equality then."

"I lost a... Good Friend of mine there, one of our Conductors, went by Kitty." Peacock said sadly, "She was watching the event take place, but she couldn't stop herself from going in to help when things got bad. Saw a family we had helped before in that mess, two little girls and their parents, even managed to save them before she went back in to help more... I remember seeing her get clipped by a stray bullet, hadn't even gone on her first mission as an agent yet, she was so happy to work with us."

Fancypants could be seen lowering his gaze in the background, obviously the death still fresh in his mind as well.

Korra let out a long breath. "You guys do a great job. So many owe their lives to you. But... it isn't enough. Not for me. We tried peace. We tried talking. Now we try action. I am not asking you to put anyone of you people on the line. In fact, if something goes wrong, I expect you to cut all ties with my resistance. Even if we don't survive, you need to."

"Well, I trust her at least. Red here's my kind of person, she'd fit in well around here." Fancypants stepped forwards, smiling.

"Alright. I guess it's settled, you have reign of our tunnel network. Just... Be careful, these are the same tunnels we use to get people home, if you or anyone is seen, it would compromise our network." The Leather Clad Man explained, "James, can you get me the maps Babe?"

"Yeah yeah, sure." He said, giving her a brief wave before heading back up the tunnel they came from.

"Oh!" Korra patted her pockets. "I brought you something in case I had to... you know, grease the wheels a bit."

"Something like what?" He asked, tilting his head slightly.

She pulled out a few charms. "These are special illusion spells. The witch that made them is still trying to perfect them. You basically wrapp one of your hairs with one from a person of another race and concentrate. The spell with alter your appearance to look like another race. It isn't perfect. It can't hide big things like... well, a huge crab arm. And it lasts a random amount of time, between an hour and four hours. Like I said, it is still in the works, but... i-it's something, right?"

"That's actually extremely useful. The Time Limit variance could be better, but it'll work in a pinch." He said, taking a closer look. "I usually just use make-up and foundation."

"They're gifts from the resistance," Korra said, offering him half a dozen charms. "Each can be used once until they burn out. I'll get you more when they work a little better. Oh, and the illusion can't be seen by the person using it so you'll need someone else to tell that it worked."

"I hope you can do this..." Peacock replied sincerely, "Tell you the truth, the Thrope community, including James up there, think we're these heroes... But... In order to keep ourselves hidden, we have to work so slow... It can take a month of infiltration just to save a handful of innocent people. The number of people who come to us for help and the number we can actually save..."

Korra nodded. "I understand. I guess I have a small advantage. I know I'm no hero. I'm just a bitch who is too stubborn to let something she doesn't like go unchallenged. It just so happens the thing I don't like is such an injustice." She smiled. "You guys are the true heroes."

"It... Doesn't feel like it when you see the things they do to these people, and knowing you can only save a few..." The Bird Thrope shook his head, "Imagine seeing hundreds of poor girls, taken away from their families... Beaten, abused and used... About a third of them I've met their parents personally... And remembering you can only take four... It's an impossible choice..."

Korra lowered her head. "I... I don't envy you your burden..."

"Saving everyone... Then we'd be real heroes. Until then, we save who we can." Peacock's arms fell to his side. "There are a few places that are particularly heinous... But the security is so tight it can take a year at least to make a move... I'd like to so those places go first..."

Korra smiled. "I'll see what I can do about that."

"Thanks... I think this is the beginning of a great relationship." Peacock responded, holding out his hand.

Korra nodded, gladly taking his hand.

"Now for something Brighter!" James said as he came back into the room, maps in hand. "Since you're going to be working with us, you need a codename!"

"A codename?" Korra grinned it better be something more clever then 'monkey'. Would be kinda lame to just be named after my Thrope type." She glanced at Peacock. "Er... no offense."

James chuckled, "How about Ginger?"

"Ginger? Ah, the red hair?" Korra nodded. "Ginger works."

"And because you're spicey." Fancypants walked over, hanging the maps up on the wall.

"I bet you can tell who came up with the codename idea." Peacock scratched his neck, smirking lightly.

Korra chuckled and examined the maps. "These are... quite expansive. Even with maps, I'm surprised you guys don't get lost all the time."

"Each attendant has their own Safe house and surrounding tunnels that they know inside and out. The Maps are exclusively for our Conductors." Peacock explained, "We transport Packages, or the freed slaves, through these tunnels, stopping and resting at each safe house for a day or so, depending on the security level of the surrounding area."

"And you'll let them all know about me and my people, yeah?" Korra glanced over. "Don't want them freaking out if I show up."

"We'll let them know. Wouldn't want Digger to get upset about all the unexpected vistors..." The Mohawked Bird Thrope replied, pulling the map off the wall and handing it to her along with a sheet layered with an explanation of symbols. "You'll need this too, parts of the map are Ciphered, like how exactly to open each tunnel and the specific coordinates."

"Thank you." Korra placed them in her side pocket. "Well... I better get out of your hair. I have a lot to start planning."

"Good luck out there. And If you get into trouble somehow, we have your back." Peacock said encouragingly, the girl having grown on him somewhat.

"Try not to get caught, we can't afford to wait another decade for a second noble with a backbone to show up." James smirked, putting his hands in his pockets.

Korra nodded. "Remember. Keep up what you're doing. The people need you as much as us. If not more." She headed down the tunnels, using the maps to make her way back.

"Well, Ginger's not too bad, isn't she?" James said, looking over at Peacock.

"Yeah... Let's hope her recklessness doesn't make all this worse..." He replied ominously, staring off in the direction she had left.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

ExoGrim & ZombieSplitter53
Final Schemes
Part One

Malder laid down in the garden near his room, his eyes closed as he slumbered, as the hard rock floor had always been more comforting to him then the normal bed. His sword was still in his hand... it was almost like he never let go of the piece of wood he called a weapon. He was close to finishing his job, now all he had to do was wait for Arlia to come so that the grand finale could begin. After that, the only problem that remained was Shen. Malder didn't like the man from the day they met and he knew that he would have to kill him eventually. The question had always been how. Shen seemed to be well guarded at all times, but it had to be done to ensure that Stormrend would fall into chaos.

"Mr. Malder?" a guard called out from a distance. It was well know that Malder was not the kind of person you should surprise by now, though everyone assumed it was because he had been 'attacked.' Thus, the guard made sure to call his name rather then approach. "Mr. Malder, sir?"

Malder yawned briefly before jumping back to his feet. "Whatcha need?"

"Yes, um..." The guard pointed back. "The palace has a guest. A wealthy business man who has funded many a project on behalf of the emperor. He is very interested in meeting the man who protected the princess before she was returned to us."

"Oh really?" Malder's grin widened. "Tell him to meet me here."

The guard nodded and walked off. He returned a couple minutes later with a very large, very familiar man in tow. "Mr. Malder, this is Reginald Kintobor."

Shen smiled and extended his hand. "Good to meet the hero of Stormrend. Call me Regi."

The "hero" shook his hand. "The pleasure is mine, Regi."

'Reginald' cleared his throat. "I have a... few business propositions I would like to discuss with Mr. Malder," he said to the guard.

"I see." The guard nodded his head.

The mob boss raised an eyebrow. "Alone."

"Oh?" The guard blinked. "Oh! Oh... um... e-excuse me."

Shen watched him walk off. "Imbecile. Remind me to have him fired when I control this country. Maybe even excommunicated. I don't need his like soiling the gene pool."

"Yeah, about that." Malder rubbed the back of his neck. "There's a bit of a problem with that plan of yours. That thing that's been killing the nobles as thin the line bit quite a bit and if you do take control, the likely hood that you won't be blamed for it is quite high."

"Well, I believe I asked you to investigate that." Shen folded his arms. "Have you found... nothing?"

"No, I found something." Malder responded. "I found that whatever's been doing this is magical in some way. Almost as if the wind itself is killing them. Damn near got me too." The ex-soldier lifted his shirt to show the scar on his side.

Shen looked over the wound with suspicion. "You got this at the same time my messenger was sliced to ribbons?"

"Yep, just barely managed to get out of the way before it darted off, probably to it's next victim." Even with the oddities of his stories and the convenience of survival, Malder's story sounded extremely convincing... almost too convincing. Like the man had practice this over and over again until he had it spot on.

"Kinda odd, don't you think?" Shen looked into his eyes. "Whoever this is obviously has something against the nobility... but breaks their pattern once and only once to kill someone with no connection to the palace. And one of mine to boot."

Malder shrugged. "Maybe he knew something that we didn't and the killer tried to clean up the evidence. The only way to know is to talk to him, but we can't do that because he's dead."

"And me without a direct line to Grimora..." Shen shook his head. Behind him, Malder noticed a figure dressed in a simple blue and black kimono, with a pair of thin glasses and two swords on his belt. Based on his stance and where he was standing, he was obviously a bodyguard. "Can I share something with you?" Shen asked after awhile.

"Sure, tell me what you need." Malder grinned as he spoke.

Shen leaned forward a bit. "I don't like it. The timing of it... right when you get in with our precious Princess. A few nobles dead are nothing to be concerned about. The gods know I benefited plenty when the Reinhold family lost both its heads in one night. But not every noble is competition, and losing them put a major stint in my plans just as they were getting off the ground. I smell a rat."

"And who do you think this rat is?" Malder inquired with a demonic grin.

Shen watched him closely before slowly standing up. "I am still trying to figure that out. Based on what you have found, we have an element and a possible connection, so it is something to work on." He smiled. "Luckily it isn't you considering your strength, right?"

This guy is dumber than I thought, Malder thought as he replied. "Exactly, why would I do anything to harm the princess and her family."

"Right. Even an anarchist like you wouldn't do something so unprofitable. So... well, stupid." When's smile widdened. "We both know if that happened, and was required to deal with you, I would lose quite a few men before your inevitable death."

"Right." Malder replied. "My method of life can only take you so far in this world."

Shen nodded, his smile failing a bit, as though he was disappointed by Maker's response. "I want to introduce you to someone. You like meeting new people, right? Who doesn't?"

"You're right, who doesn't like to meet new people?" Malder nodded as well, his grin still plastered on his face. "Lead the way."

"Actually, it is my bodyguard that I wanted you to meet," Shen said, stepping to the side. "Malder, this is Tien Shushin. Tien..."

"I believe I am already familiar with Mr. Malder, though he likely does not remember me." The body guard stepped forward. "Would you allow me a test to make sure you are who I think you are?"

"And what kind of test you that be?" Malder asked.

"One only my greatest opponent could survive." Malder felt the man before him radiate a flow of chi throughout his body. In a blink of an eye, with no wasted movement, one of Tien's swords was in hand and out of its scabbard, flying straight for Malder's neck.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Final Schemes
Part Two

Malder's arm moved at similar speeds as he blocked the attack with his own sword. While move would assume the wooden blade would be split in two by the steel of Tien's blade, Malder's sword stood firm. The ex-soldier chuckled. "Come on, Shen. After all we've been through, you're trying to kill me? Seems a little low, don'tcha think?"

"Hmm." Tien quickly resheathed his blade. "Apologies. Time changes our appearances."

"How exactly so you know him?" Shen asked.

Tien methodically removed his glasses, wiping them with a small towel. "We were on opposite sides during the civil war, and clashed six times. In six different battles, we crossed swords, each encounter ending with one of us being forced to flee. If I recall correctly, I won three of these encounters."

Malder chuckled once more. "And, who knows, maybe we can set that war beside us and be friends."

"Unlikely." Tien showed no humor. "You killed General Thunder. You have no idea the price that was on his head for those on my side. Whatsmore, his renown strength made him a true challenge for those like me who seek it. You tookboth that reward and that battle from me."

"Oh, you're still mad about that?" Malder state with a raised eyebrow. "You and I both know it was only a matter of time before that outpost fell. I just wanted to speed up the process."

"Indeed." Tien put his glasses back on. "Though it is hard to think highly of a man that stabbed his allies in the back."

Shen grinned and placed his hands on Tien's shoulders. "Tien here, like you and so many other outcasts and ronin, has been hired by me as one who appreciates a warrior with skills. You see, I was going to have him watch our princess, but he really is the merciless type. I wasn't sure he had the patience you have. So instead, I've decided he will take care of whoever has betrayed me. Why... I bet he might even be able to take you." His grin widened. "Not that there will ever be a need, of course."

"Well, good luck finding this traitor, Tien." Malder placed his hands on the back of his head. "In the meantime, I have a princess to check upon."

Shen nodded. "I'm going to look around the palace. Tien, meet me out front in an hour."

He walked off, but Tien turned towards Malder. "He isn't as stupid as you think he is, you know?"

Malder had already left to go check on 'Arlia,' no longer being in the garden.

Tien smiled for the first time. "You'll find that out the hard way... in time." He turned, walking off on his own.

Malder found the fake princess in one of the small dining rooms, eating alone. At least, she had a plate in front of her, though she had eaten hardly anything. She was simply poking at it, a sullen look on her face.

"Hey, what appears to be the matter?" Malder inquired as he approached the young girl.

She slowly looked up. "Oh... h-hello Mr. Malder." She sucked a bit as she ran her spoon through a bowl of now luke warm soup. "Nothing. I'm just... tired of... wearing this disguise. I wish I could look like my regular self. And... Arlia's parents are so nice to me. I am tired of always lying to them."

Malder looked at the young woman for a moment. "You want in on a little secret?"

She looked up at him. "What's that, Mr. Malder?"

"I'm currently trying to expose Shen for who he really is." Malder explained. "But, I need you to be able to do this until I have all the information I need to to that. Can you keeping lying for just a few more days? So we can show them the true rat in their midst?"

"O-okay." 'Arlia' looked around. "Does that mean... Mr. Wu is a bad man too? Just like the real Arlia?"

"Yes, unfortunately, he is." Malder stated. "He wishes to control Stromrend in many bad ways."

"Oh?" She gasped. "But then... Am I not helping him by pretending to be the princess? Should we not tell on him?"

"If we tell on him now, no one will believe us." Malder patted the young girl's head. "But I will have what we need to do that soon. I promise."

She nodded, give him a confident look. "You can count on me, Mr. Malder. You have been so kind to me. The least I can do is help you. It is what my mother would say to do."

"Exactly, I'll have everything I need soon, so just hold on until then." The ex-soldier gave her a similar smile. Ohhhh... killing you is going to be so fun.

The fake princess nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Malder."

"No problem." Malder stretched as he spoke. "You should really eat that though, you need the nutrients."

"Yes, Mr. Malder. I will eat up every last bit, I promise." With that, 'Arlia' dug into her food with earnest.

Malder grinned once more. "Alright, you see in a little bit." The ex-soldier said as he made his way towards the door. "I personally have some more digging to do, so I'll be gone for a few days."

"Mhmm." She waved her hand. "Good luck, Mr. Malder!"

"Good luck to you too." Malder said before turning around the corner. It'll be your last chance you have at getting any.

As he made his way down the hall, two figures watched him from the shadows until he was gone.

"You're sure about it?" Shen asked, sparking up a cigar.

Tien nodded. "The wounds described could be done by a wielder of Chi and made to look like wind magic."

Shen took a long drag, blowing out smoke in droves. "What are you up to, boy?"

"Even if it is not him, should Malder not be eliminated anyway? He is unpredictable, untrustworthy, and his part his been played."

"Is that reason speaking, or your thurst for vengence?" Shen asked. "You have been compensated for your lost bounty. Patience, Tien. Patience. You do not risk a 600 year long plan by making hasty moves. Besides..." He grinned an unnatural, unnerving grin. "I still have use of him. Or at least, that body of his." He glanced down at his bodyguard. "Unless you wish to take his place."

Tien slowly shook his head. "I believe... that Malder will suit your needs better. Still, we should keep an eye on him."

"That I will," Shen agreed, walking away. "That I will."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
Family Reunion
Part One

Havenbrook Manor
Entrance Hall
June 28th, 3349

Betty stood with her arms together, waiting for her Aunt from Themosa to arrive. She had taken a chance, mailing the biggest promiscuous institutions searching for her lost Mother's sister, but eventually the message was forwarded down from the head of the house to a well paid worker.

After a message or two between them, and a letter to Mina Havenbrook politely asking for their transport over to Serasam, they were on their way, meant to arrive today.

The Fly Thrope looked over at Erin, who was waiting with her at the door, "I... I wonder what she'll be like..."

"I'm not sure." Erin smiled. "Promiscuous? I was surprised by Lady Havenbrook's willingness to help her come here considering her... less then stellar opinion of your aunt's line of work."

"Well... I doubt she'd still be working zhere if she had a choice... Zhere aren't a lot of opportunities for Thropes in Themosa." Betty replied, lowering her head slightly.

Erin rubbed her arm. "She can find work here in Serasam. It is why I came. People actually appriciate our kind here. Besides, from what I've heard, she picked a perfect time to get out of Themosa."

"What do you mean? What's happening?" The Fly asked, concerned for Veeti's Dad.

"Things are really heating up," Erin answered. "Evidently, there is a group of Thropes causing trouble, and rumor has it that they are actually funded. If the King doesn't do something to quell civil unrest, it could turn into a full scale uprising."

"I can only hope zhey're plan is to bring zhem to justice, we heard Veeti's story about her mother, after all..." Betty reminded sadly.

Erin took her hand. "Chin up. We... we have someone to greet, right? No good doing so with frowns and tears."

"Right..." Betty smiled lightly, hearing a knock at the door shortly thereafter. The Fly stepped up to the entrance to the manor, speaking through. "Hello?"

"Uh, yes... We're looking for a Thrope named... Betty? My Si- Vesp Marie's daughter?" A female voice exclaimed, sounding much more elegant than most Themosan Thropes tend to be.

Betty took in a breath as she opened the door, reminded partially of her meeting with her parents in the altered timeline. "Zhat would be me... You must be Reah?"

Stepping, or rather, slithering through the door on her Snake lower-half was a decently well dressed woman. Long, black hair fell down her shoulders, matching a jet black bustier and skirt combination, accenting with another rare thing for Themosan Thropes, a gold necklace. The particular affinity of the woman was obvious, the long, glossy black lower body of a snake replacing her legs, as well as subtler details, like slit orange eyes and a red tongue that occasionally flicked out of a black lipsticked mouth.

"Well, don't you look unique..." Reah said with a smooth, sophisticated voice, "It's good to see my lost niece."

Erin stepped forward and bowed her head. "My name is Erin Starstorm, Witch and had lab tech of the Havenbrook Organization." She eyed the woman. "Between you, Betty, and her mother, I see rare breeds of Thrope run in the family."

"Sweetie... I don't like saying this, but I'm a hopelessly common rat snake..." Reah said, looking back briefly, "Although, I suppose I must agree with you still, you're only the second insect affinity I've seen."

"The Second...?" Betty worded as a cloaked figure approached from behind her.

"Daughter, Introduce yourself to your cousin." The Snake replied.

The figure reached up two arms, both with a lightish purple, lavender skin tone, pulling back her hood to reveal more dark lipstick, deep violet, short hair, but most strikingly multiple black, slanted eyes, three on each side of her face. Upon closer inspection, six strange pointed objects seemed to be sillouetted by the thin leather, poking out. "Well, hello, is that a little fly I see...? My name is Nina, Cousin..."

Erin looked up at Betty. "Your family is simply fascinating."

"You can say zhat again..." Betty replied, "Um... It's nice to meet you Nina..."

"It's nice to meet you too... And you, Erin, right?" The Cloaked woman confirmed.

Erin bowed her head. "I must say, Miss Reah, you looked quite dignified for a Thrope fresh out of Themosa."

Reah smiled, "Well, in the business I work, the better you look the more work you get. I consider all of this an... Hmm... Investment towards the future."

Erin nodded. "And where, may I ask, is your daughter's father?"

Reah just looked off to the side, while Nina's six eyes narrowed. After a few moments of silence, Betty broke it, "You don't have talk about it..."

"No." Reah looked back, "I hope he's dead, dead and a million miles away from me."

"I see." Erin let out a nervous laughed. "Why, um... why don't we get you something to eat? I'm sure you two are hungry."

"Yeah, we have good food here." Betty chimed in.

"I suppose that does sound nice..." Reah sighed, the mention of Nina's father obviously bringing up some bad memories. "Lead the way, dear..."

The Havenbrook members led them to one of the smaller dining rooms upstairs. The cooks had been expecting three People, but luckily always made extra so there was plenty for Nina. As food was placed before the wary travellers, Erin asked, "So how old are you, Nina?"

Still wearing her cloak, Nina dropped a piece of meat into her mouth. "I'm 32, almost 33 now."

"You're almost three years older zhan me?" The Tinkerer asked, surprised.

"Nina was born shorty after your Mother left Themosa." Reah confirmed, "Honestly, dear, It's kind of surprising that your Mother waited to have you for more than a year after coming here. Or maybe I shouldn't be surprised..."

"You wouldn't happen to... know where your sister is, do you?" Erin asked.

"From Betty's message you said she was missing... Well, that's new to me, your Mother stopped talking to me after she left Themosa." Reah explained, sipping some tea.

Betty pouted for a moment, "So you don't know anything?"

The Snake smiled lightly at this, "I didn't say that. Despite my Sister's reluctance to contact me, I've still been trying to keep up with her."

"Does... Zhat mean you know where she is...?" The Fly said with bated breath.

"I used to ask the Guild Members from here who went to town how she was doing whenever my... Business would send me abroad." Betty's Aunt continued, "Although I quit it twenty or so years ago now when they stopped saying she was even there. I thought she had found out I knew where she was and left without telling anyone where again..."

"That makes it sound like she was avoiding you." Erin gave her a curious look. "Why would that be?"

"Because she can hold a hell of a grudge." Reah crossed her arms, "She explicitly told me to never sell myself off to Humans. That we could survive without it. But her pride was blinding her, we were starving, we didn't have a place to sleep... So I worked behind her back."

"How did you explain the money?" Erin asked.

"I just said I got a job that paid more by posing as an Ophidian." Reah answered, "Which wasn't untrue... It just wasn't nearly that much... I also used that to get my job at the place I work at now. It makes me seem foreign, adds to my mystique."

"And when she found out?" Erin pushed. "That's when you went your separate ways?"

"Yeah... The last time I remember someone here actually telling me anything about her... Was... The current Guildmaster at the time..." She recalled, "I remember because he said his name was Havenbrook, and... And he has this better than thou face I wasn't used to from Humans outside of Themosa."

Betty leaned forward, gripping the table lightly, "And what did he say!?"

"He said... Uh... Right." She thought for a moment, "He said she was off on a mission in the South-Eastern corner of Helvan."

"Did he mention that Betty's father was going too?" Erin asked eagerly.

"No, I didn't ask. But he did say her husband refused to go without her, is that good dear?" She replied, looking over at Erin.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Family Reunion
Part Two

"Yes!" The Engineer exclaimed, "Zhat's perfect, I've never felt zhis close before!"

Erin exchanged a smile with Betty. "Southeast Helvan. That is quite narrowed down from the entirety of Terra Dolor, isn't it?"

"Down from just Helvan." Betty reminded, "Mom told us zhat when we...."

The Thrope trailed off, looking over at the two, "You know... Did the zhing..."

Erin nodded. "If it isn't obvious, we are looking for Betty's parents. If there is anything you can tell us that might make them easier to find, please share them."

"Her Husband is that mercenary that saved her right? Mom told me the story." Nina chimed in, smiling, "I know where his guild is, but I wouldn't recommend going there, they're a bunch of bigots the lot of them."

"Where is it located?" Erin asked. "What is it called? Might not be much, but it could be a lead if the trail goes cold."

"The Argus Mercenary Company." Nina said, a hint of disgust in her voice. "An all Human Mercenary company in upper Themosa City. They have a even worse reputation with the Thrope Hunter guilds there, taking all the well paying contracts to keep their competition down, which happens to be the Human clients, leaving few underfunded Guilds to attempt to help lower class Thropes."

"I-I see." Erin shifted uncomfortably. "I'm Sorry, we must seem terribly rude. You travelled all the way here on our behest and yet all we have done is interrogate you and bring up bad memories."

"Honestly?" Reah chuckled lightly, "It's just good to get out of that country for a while, dear. And you've been plenty hospitable..."

"Hey." Betty's newfound Cousin stepped in, "Do you think we could continue this somewhere less public? I want to stretch a little, I'm getting stiff under this cloak..."

"Y-yes, of course." Erin smiled. "We could go down to my lab. Plenty open and plenty private."

"Thank you Bunny, just lead the way." Nina smiled, standing up.

Erin raised an eyebrow. "Uh... right." She nodded to Betty, and led everyone downstairs.

As soon as everyone reached the lab, Nina dropped her cloak on the floor, six pointed, pitch black appendages with glowing purple tips, each about as long as her arm, stretched out, twitching occasionally. This also revealed her outfit as well, a skintight black leather bodysuit, covering just about everything but her head, additionally it had a attention grabbing window in the chest as well as gloves that ended in clawed fingers that glowed a ominous purple.

"Much better... Didn't want to make a first impression by terrifying my cousin and her friends, or maybe you'd have liked that?" She said with a giggle.

Erin opened and closed her mouth in surprise. "What... species... exactly?"

"I'm a Themosan Widow. One of the deadliest spiders in the country. I take it as a point of pride." Nina replied, flexing her extra limbs.

"B-B-But... Fingers?" Betty stuttured out, in equal suprise.

"This?" She held up a hand, "It's just a special magic trick of mine."

"My Daughter has a lot of talent when it comes to spells. She's a gifted girl..." Reah replied with a sense of happiness.

"I can see that. Um..." Erin scratched one of her ears. "May I ask what drew you so much to such a deadly creature to illicit this being your mature form?"

"My Father. My Country. Human Bigots." Nina said simply, with a kind of fire in her jet black eyes.

"R-right." Erin smiled nervously. "Well, the humans here are alright. The head of this guild paid to bring you here after all."

"That's very kind of her, I guess there are a majority that are accepting outside of Themosa..." Nina said, approaching the Rabbit as she trailed off slightly. "Say... Didn't you say your name was Starstorm?"

"That's right," Erin confirmed. "Does it remind you of someone?"

"I remember your name..." Nina said leaning in towards Erin. "I saw it in the obituaries..."

Erin's eyes sank. "That was for my parents. They died recently."

"In the recent, terrible massecre, correct. " Nina kept whispering as Betty and Reah chat by themselves for the moment.

Erin slowly nodded. "Y-yes. In the Venatin Square Riot."

"What If I told you that you might be able to find their killer?" Nina suggested, looking the Rabbit in the eyes.

Erin's eyes widened. "Th... there was a whole lot of fighting and shooting. How could you single out the one person that killed them?"

"I've been looking into the guards there that day. The thing is, they weren't all your typical guards... Some of them were from a certain Mercenary company...." She stated, "Argus uses much more expensive weapons than any bog standard guard, I think that if I were to find your parents... Bodies... I could find out whether they were killed by Mercs or Guards, then narrow it down from who was there that day using which weapon by... Finding some documents of theirs..."

Erin rubbed her arm. "Y-you want to... exhume my parents' bodies. I-I don't know i-if... if... I can..."

"You don't have to." The Spider held up a hand, "I understand. I worked as a Hunter in Themosa for some time, learned how to locate people, investigate. Even if you don't decide to do it, they will get their due of the pain they caused..."

Erin's eyes darted about. "The... th-the Themosan medical community, especially in the capital, keeps detail records on the dead, even Thropes. If we could... get a hold of those, we wouldn't have to exhume my parents."

"I think I could do that for you, I've got a few friends in low places..." Nina smirked slightly, saying unsettlingly, "And if that doesn't work, I'm good at getting Humans to talk..."

Erin nodded. "I... just... I don't want to hurt anyone unless I am sure they are responsible."

"What're you guys talking about?" Betty said, walking up to them from the side.

"Just a few things." Nina said, looking over at Erin briefly, trying to signal to her that it was as secret as she wanted it.

Erin nodded. These were dark thoughts and dirty deeds she didn't want to expose Betty to. "Simply admiring your cousin's unique physiology."

"Right. I was talking to Aunt Reah about some of what she's been doing since my mother left." Betty said, looking over at Nina.

"I was just about to tell Erin about my venom." Nina said, putting a hand on her hip, "It's not as potent as the actual Spider, it's almost diluted, however it still causes paralysis and enough of it can very much shut down organs."

Erin folded her arms. "You mentioned working for a guild once. I take it you know that from first hand experience?"

"What can I say? You use all the tools you have when your life is in danger." The Spider said, noting Erin's posture.

"I... suppose that's true." Erin relaxed a bit. "Oh, Betty? Did you tell your aunt about your daughter?"

"Daughter? You have daughter?" Reah smiled, "Two years younger than Nina and you already have a child?"

"Yeah... Her name is Eliza." Betty said, looking over at Erin briefly.

"Well, where is the little sweetie? I'd love to see her!" Reah clapped her hands together.

Instead of saying anything however, Betty just frowned, lowering her head.

Erin frowned herself. "Perhaps it was the wrong time to bring it up. She is... in Fairaven. A prisoner of the Institute for Magic."

The Both of their eyes widened in a mixture of shock and disgust, however, it was Nina who recovered first. "That's... Fucking abhorrent... They took your daughter!? Illegally I take it? Slavery isn't legal in Fairaven... That must be it..."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Family Reunion
Part Three

Erin stuttered a bit. "I, um... I should... let's start from the beginning. You see... it all revolves around a rather large egg that was discovered in the Land of Ice. A, um... demon egg."

"A Demon Egg? And that has something to do with your daughter?" Reah confirmed, holding her arm up to her chin.

Erin nodded. "Apologies. They are so close, I forget they are not blood related. You see... the egg hatched. The demon baby inside imprinted on Betty, and for all intents and purposes, Betty became her mother. Something she was quick to accept."

"So... You decided to take a Demon in as your Daughter?" Nina confirmed, "Well, to be honest that is pretty strange... Although... You have my support."

Betty seemed surprised by her open-mindedness, "R-Really?"

"Of course. Because of my affinity, and even before that, I always knew what it's like to be misunderstood. To say she's evil because she's a demon would make me a hypocrite." Nina explained, looking over at her Mother.

"Well... When you put it like that, I feel like I understand..." Reah said before sighing. "Children aren't always expected, but you can't just get rid of something that loves you and relys on you... And in time, you grow to love her too..."

Erin smiled. "I am happy to see you're so understanding. Not... many people would be. Not many people were."

"Look..." Reah held her arm, "Do you want to know what happened with Nina's Father? You confided in us about your Demon Daughter, I guess it wouldn't be fair to continue keeping you two in the dark..."

"Well, we... wouldn't want to impose," Erin said. "But I'd be lying if I didn't admit to some curiosity."

"Please, only tell us if you're comfortable..." The Fly added, trying not to pressure her.

"No... It's okay... It's about time I told someone other than my daughter, and you two are family, after all." Reah smiled lightly, before taking in a long breath.

"It was just after Vesp left for Serasam with her Boyfriend... I remember coming home to our miniscule, awful apartment and finding a note on the door. It was from her, telling me she wouldn't and couldn't live in the same place as someone who would betray her trust and sell herself to Humans..." Reah told them, her eyes drifting down.

"I was so upset... I was crying and... And furious beyond all belief... Furious that she would leave me because of that... The only family she had left." The Snake continued. "I was still angry when tomorrow came... But I held it in and went off to my corner... Normally I make sure my clients are at least a little respectable, I didn't care that day though... I picked the first Man who asked and got in his carriage."

"I told him like all my other clients that I wouldn't go unless he could find something to keep me from getting pregnant... Like Magic, or a salve or potion... He told me that... That He did, so I didn't question it... But when we got to his Manor... He took me into his room and... Waited until I was on the bed to... Lock my arms together with metal links..."

At this point, Reah began to tear up, but continued regardless. "He... He told me... He wanted to... Give me a child and ruin my life... Like... Like it made him happy knowing that... He had no shame, he was disgusting... The months after... I hated the baby... So much... I thought about ways to get rid of it... But when she was finally born... She had my eyes, My nose, my hair color... I looked so hard but... I couldn't find anything of his on her... It was like... She was perfect... I... I loved her..."

"Mom." Nina stopped her, wrapping an arm around her. "It's okay..."

"What I thought was a sick curse was actually a blessing, so I lived... I lived in spite of the monster... Because if I let him destroy me... Then he'd have won..."

"And he didn't," Erin said, her angered expression saying she had heard a story along those lines one too many times. "It is a basic understanding that the child should not suffer for the iniquity of the father, but much harder in practice. That you could get past what her father did to you shows remarkable strength."

"I agree. You are so, so strong. Just like my Mom, your sister." The Engineer spoke, having a hard time listening to the story.

"Thank you both... It was so hard... Not to... Get rid of her... But I couldn't have asked for a more perfect little girl..." Reah smiled, rubbing Nina's head, causing the Spider to smile slightly.

Erin shifted lightly. "I... if this is too hard, disregard my curiosity, but... what ever happened to the father? Was he brought to justice?" Her eyes said she was afraid of the answer despite asking the question.

"No, not as far as I know. He vanished off the face of Terra Dolar a few years ago, no one knows where he went, and frankly, no one cared enough to bother looking." Reah responded, "Like I said, I hope he's Dead, Dead and a million miles away."

Erin slowly nodded. "Well... if not my Nemesis rain just vengeance on him, right?" She smiled awkwardly. "I, um... I want you to know, you two are welcome to stay here for a while. It would be wrong of us to bring you all the way out here, interrogate you, then send you packing. I have some pull with Lady Havenbrook. I will convince her to let you stay here until you are ready to go home. Unless, of course, you decide you would like to settle down in Serasam. It isn't perfect, but it really is nice once you get used to it. You know... no government supported bigotry. No slavery. No impending insurgence."

"Staying here in this country sounds lovely. Thank you Erin... May I call you that?" Reah asked cautiously, not wishing to tred on her gracious host's feet.

"Yes, of course." Erin bowed her head. "As long as I can call you Reah, of course."

"You may, dear." The Rat Snake nodded. "Remind me to thank your wonderful Guildmaster, who I'd love to meet sometime If I could."

"Come on." Erin waved for them to follow. "We'll find you a nice room."

Nodding the two new arrivals and Betty followed Erin up, Reah admiring the architecture most of the way.

Erin made her way down the halls, trying to remember which rooms were available. "There are plenty of rooms, but so many members. I wish there was a posted display of who is where, but it changes so often, only the bibliophile can keep track."

She looked back at Nina. "So tell me about your magic, my dear. Is your venom tied to it or completely a matter of physiology. I don't want to put you off, nor make Betty jealous, but your uniqueness fascinates me."

"Well, it's only natural you'd be interested in that, seeing as you're head witch." Nina said, showing her glowing hand. "I'm a Fire and Dark Mage. However, I didn't have the easiest time trying to find a magic college... As it turns out, My Raw Magic Power was so weak, most of the professors were just disappointed, despite my Magic Pool being so high."

"University teachers can have high standards," Erin agreed. "I was lucky to be well of in both. So I take it you are not strong, but can use a multitude over weaker spells rapidly without tiring?"

"Yes, but I learned something else..." Nina smiled widely, "A technique that utilized my strengths to the fullest... Not only can I use many weak spells, but I can also keep a few weak spells going for a very long time... I call it, Weave Enchanting."

Erin smiled at her. "Please, tell me more."

"I learned it from a Enchanter and took a few cues from Smithing techniques." Nina went on, "Enchanting is the art of fusing magic into a blade, that way is crude, but effective, like a longsword. However... Weave Enchanting takes advantage of my Spider affinity, instead of putting a single spell on a blade, I create magic strings, layering them onto it over and over thousands of time, an idea that came from Stormrendian Blade Smithing."

"I see, I see." Erin nodded. "With this technique, you can enchant a weapon for more efficiently to be far more powerful the a basic enchantment. You must have been a fierce Hunter indeed."

"A Rank, although, that doesn't mean much when your fellow hunters are wearing and fighting with cardboard..." The Spider replied, sighing a little. "But, I can even use it on my back arms or even my fingers. One time I intimidated an Argus Merc by melting through his plate armor with a single slash from my claws."

Erin giggled. "That is quite the talent. Perhaps Lady Havenbrook would be wise to try and recruit you." She open the door to one of the mid-sized rooms, two beds available. "I hope you two don't mind sharing a room. I could try and fine you two single rooms, but they are much smaller then this one. Extra room is a benefit for those willing to share space."

"This should be fine dear, thank you." Reah smiled.

"I hope this won't be the last time we talk, Bunny." Nina smiled, "Thanks for the room."

"No problem. You're our family." Betty looked over at Erin.

Erin smiled at her. "Come on. Let's give them a chance to settle in."

As they turned away, Betty grinned, "I... I feel like this was a good day..."

Erin took her head. "I couldn't agree more."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Dhalexpert&Zombiesplitter53
Meet the family

Havenbrook Manor/Guildhouse
Erin's Lab
12:22 p.m.

The guild's resident rabbit witch held her hands over a glowing vial of red liquid. With a sigh, she said, "I appreciate the faith you have in my skills, but why does everyone keep coming to me for this?"

"Because your the best, silly." Esmeralda tilted her head. "Who else has been here for this?"

Erin gave her a small smile. "Patient-doctor, or rather patient-witch, confidentiality." The flask glowed a bright blue. "Looks like it's positive. Congradulations."

"Positive... so... I..." Es looked awe struck.

"What's the matter?" Erin asked, disposing of the test fluids. "I thought you wanted this, and with your usual... hyperactivity, I figured you'd be climbing the walls."

"Yeah, I... just... wow..." Es stood up and walked out the door. "Th-thank, Erin."

"Yeah, sure." Erin watched her go with a curious stare.

Character stood outside the manor next to Esmeralda brother there." So Diamante how long will it take us to get to Lustania I never been to the country?"

"Not long going straight there." The Elf pointed south. "We go down to the coast. Should only take a day. Then we catch a ride, one I was able to change from one to three last minute... you welcome. We sail east. I got us one of those fancy hybrid ship, using both wind and magic to move, so we should be there in about two and a half days. Another half a day to get home. So as long as we don't stop for breaks, four days. Five at the most."

"Sounds good, hope the ship and there crew don't mind me bringing a friend. Ou that reminds me I have someone I want you to meet that's coming with us." Charter whistled and a giant white furred dire wolf came out from the bushes and started to lick Charter. "Diamante meet my partner Slone, Slone this is Esmeralda brother." Slone started to move towards the man.

For once, someone didn't react in shock or fear to the animal. Instead, Diamante smiled at him and scratched behind his ear. "Hey there, Slone. We don't have any Dire Wolves on Lustania. You'd be King of the wolves if you lived there. None could challenge you."

Slone rubbed his head on the mans hand and started wagging his tail." Wow its rare to see someone not panic at Slone. You say there's no dire wolves in Lusitania? That's odd, it near the land of ice so I figured it be perfect for them."

"I think I read somewhere that the previous inhabitants drove them to extinction over their meat, fur, and use in petty wars." The Elf shrugged. "A lesson in conservation I guess. Though island nations are always strange. Never been, but I've heard Elluviana is even stranger."

"H-her, wrong direction, right?" Esmeralda walked out the door, dragging an over sized suitcase. "We ready to go, guys?"

Character reached for Esmeralda bag and carried it for her and put it on Slone." Guess Es did you pack all of your clothes?"

Esmeralda bobbed her head up and down. "Sorry if it is heavy. It has some, you know... gifts and stuff for home. I can carry it if it is too heavy."

"It's fine Slone has carried heavier on his back." Charter picked Esmerelda and put her on Slone Charter also got on him as well. "Ready to go when you are."

Diamante climbed on a horse and nodded. "Off we go."

The trio made a quick trek south. The trip was free of trouble for once. No bandits. No monsters. They passed by the old castle south of the Manor, which was surprisingly devoid of animals, as if they were avoiding it.

It was just over a day when they were off of the high seas. Shortly after the main land disappeared to the north, the Land of Ice could be seen to the south. Esmeralda stood on deck, wrapped in a warm coat. Even in the summer, it was very cold this far south. She stared off at the barren land, seeing if she could spot any of the scarce wild life.

Charter wrapped himself around Esmerelda. "Felling cold are we, I don't blame you I never been to this part of the world so it's a good thing Slone is friendly so just lay on his back for a little alright."

"I'm okay," she said with a small smile. "I'm actually used to it. I grew up this far south, remember. Serasam is alright, but I found Fairaven to get be plain too hot." She sighed. "It's been so long since I've been home. I wonder if I can spot a frost bear on its morning hunt."

"Let's hope not, I have plenty of time to go hunting and enjoy this land but first let's go see your family I can't wait to meet your sisters and father and mother in person. Hum I ever did see your mom in person nor do you mention her, is she dead?"

Es' smiled turned a bit sad. "No... she is still alive, at least last I heard. But... she is sick. Has been for a long time. Some days she doesn't have the strength to get out of bed." Her eyes darted about in thought. "Now that I think about it, it is best I go see her at least one more time. She could live another hundred years... or she could die tomorrow. Best make my peace with her while I have the chance."

"Have I mentioned how much jealous I am of Elven life span. Best make it quick then don't want to keep anyone waiting then."

Esmeralda patted his hand. "Don't worry. Know you and your strength, you'll out live us all, Charter."

"I try my best." Charter looked at Diamante. "You going to lead the way for us man, I can't wait to meet Everyone."

Diamante nodded, staring off into the distance. Despite the cold, he wasn't even wearing a jacket. "We'll get there with haste. Don't you worry." His eyes shifted to Charter. "I expect you to be on your best behavior. I don't know if you have been to many Elven settlements, but this is a country controlled by Elves. Act with... dignity, you hear?"

"I'm from Mirandia buddy I worked with my fair share of Elves so I'll be fine." Slone howled as he fallowed Diamante." Ou and Slone here will also be on his beast behavior."

"I hope." Diamante stumbled a bit as the entire ship lurched. "We're pulling north rapidly. I wonder why."

"Hum I don't know about ships, maybe it's because of the ice blocking us or something?"

"Yeah, maybe." Diamante had the eyes of one always looking for foul play. "I'll ask one of the deck hands. Why don't you ask the captain?"

"Right Es stay with Slone for now, I know your used to the cold but he'll keep you nice and warm I'm go ask the captain." Charter left Es with Slone and made his way to the helm of the ship.

The captain was carefully turning the wheel right, mostly keeping the heading west but moving north. The first mate was next to him, scanning the south with a telescope.

Charter whistled getting the captain and the first mate attention. "Hay um sorry to disturbed you but is there a reason were turning north?"

"Aye." The first mate waved him over. "We sail close to Land of Ice because thar be a ley line deep below the sea we use to conserve magic. Howev'r..." He handed Charter the telescope and pointed toward an object on the frozen continent.

"What the hell is that never seen anything like that before. Is it a threat to the people on board?"

Far in the distance was a towering creature. It was hard to see clearly in the haze and the distance, but it was humanoid in shape, covered in dirty white fur and looking both immensely strong and depressingly malnourished at the same time. It resembled a wendigo but on a far, far larger scale

"That be the Great Old One, Ithaqua," the captain answered Charter. "At this distance, even he can not harm us. But we sailors are a superstitious lot. Simply being with in sight of him is a bad omen to us. If you don't mind, we'll be sailing at a distance for the next hour. Until we are sure he is out of sight."

Spoiler

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

Miles away, the being simply stood at the water's edge. It eyes seemed to glow white, and though it was hard to tell at this distance, it certainly seemed like it was looking at the ship. Watching. Staring.

"This ship wouldn't happen to have cannons, or any type of defenses to you defend it's self with right. I mean what are the odds of that thing attacking?" Charter looked down at Slone and Es but mostly the pouch on Slone that contained all the enchantments Charter brought with him just in case.

"We have basic defenses for pirates," the first mate said. "But nothing to stand against an Old One." He placed a hand on Charter's shoulder. "Worry not. He is not the most powerful of the Old Ones. Even he could not catch us at this distance with our speed. He knows this. It is why he only stares. He likely knows we have what he wants."

"And do you have that it want's exactly?"

"That would be your woman," the captain said grimly. "It is said he is tormented by loneliness. No matter how many beast, yedi, or wendigo flock to his side, he wants one he can call his own. So he hunts for women, desiring one who will give him a child. Needless to say, he has found many, and none have ever returned."

Charter started to pull out his sword. "I'm going to say this one time and one time only get this ship to Lustania or you and your first mate will die here."

The two men shared a laugh. "Worry not, Mr. Van Dam," the first mate said. "If we were of the Cult of Ithaqua, we would be sailing towards him, not away, you would already be dead or knocked out, and we would be preparing the woman for sacrifice. You will get to Lustania. For now, be with your dare one. Hold her tight, and keep her warm."

Character kept his hand on his sword." I want you two to look at the dire wolf down there mess with the woman and you will be dead to him.

"Such paranoia." The captain smiled at him. "Would it make you feel any better then the other man threaten a torturous death to us if we even looked at her wrong?"

"And that was before we even agreed to charter you." The first mate shook his head. "Such violence. I will have ye know, I am married, and quite happily."

"Fine,but if Es goes missing it will be both your heads that will be coming off."

They both gave him a nod and returned to their work.

Character met up with Esmeralda brother and told him what the captain told Character." So that's why we're turning."

The Elf nodded. "I know of this monster. It is said the only reason the gods do not strike it down is out of fear of a war with the other Old Ones." He smiled. "It is good to hear it is so far from my home."

"Yea sure point is watch Esmeralda they diden't take her because we were far away from it but now, just watch over her at night ok."

Diamante raised an eyebrow. "Trust me, I would have done so anyway."

"Good to hear, I'll go check on Es." Character left Diamate and went to Esmeralda held her stomach and leaned on her a little." So how are you holding up Es?"

Esmeralda quickly shifted his weight off of her, nearly making him stumble. "S-sorry! Sorry, you, um... I'm just... jumpy when I'm cold. Luckily, I have Slone."

Character caught himself before he fell and looked at Esmeralda." Ugh sure well no mater what were almost there, come up with what to tell your family?

Esmeralda slowly shook her head. "Just... the truth. Not sure how to phrase it though. Can't just say 'Surprise! I've been lying to you all for years!'"

"Well just know that there family and will always love you alright?"

Es nodded. "I'm gonna go below deck, and try to take a nap. Feeling a bit sleepy."

"Take Slone with you he'll keep you warm and makes a good pillow."

The next several dies passed by without trouble, save for some less-then-frrsh gumbo that gave Diamante indigestion. Soon, the group found themselves travelling across Lustania. There wasn't much for sightseeing around these parts. Despite how much the Elves loved their home, a lot of it was uninhabitable tundra.

The group had to divert a few times along the way. This time of the year, much of the tundra turned into bogs, bogs that weren't the safest to pass through. Still, it was beautiful. The siblings pointed out the various plant and animal life unique to the island nation, and the many landmarks along their path. They spotted a pack of Lustania timber wolves on a ridge, watching the group, and Slone in particular, as the passed time.

It was night fall when they arrived in the city. It was surprisingly warm, and despite the late time, people were out celebrating and enjoying themselves. It was incredibly festive. "Sir knight," Esmeralda said, gripping his arm. "Welcome to the Royal City of Caritas."

Character looked around the city and the people. "It's beautiful, so this is what a Elven run city looks like very impressive."

We clapped her hands together in excitement. "I'm so glad you approve. Right now is the Festival of Flowers. Everyone gets dolled up and celebrates. Everything is decorated with the prettiest of flowers. And, of course, there are competitions to see who can grow the best Lustania flower, foreign flower, biggest flower, brightest flower, and so much more! It is all funded by the palace itself."

Diamante nodded. "Our king and queen are quite generous. More so then most royalty." Her pointed towards the center of the city as they approached it. "For example, the giant red stone is a heat stone, used to keep the city comfortable, especially in the coldest of winters. The crown could selfishly hog the magic from the local ley line for themselves, but gracious funnel so much of it into that stone to keep it powered all year long."

"Huh,really don't see many kings or queens acting so genorusly towards its people. Also if this is some festival of flowers ther your folks can't be to far right?"

"Right this way! Come on! Come on!" Esmeralda floated up, and the men had to quicken their pace to keep up.

Es's home was no mansion or manor or novel's house, but it was decently sized. It was right next door to the family shop, which itself had an expansive greenhouse leading from the back.

Despite her initial excitement, Esmeralda became timid when they reached the home. "H-how do we approach this? Do we walk in? Do we knock? Sh-should we go in the house first, or the shop?"

Diamante rolled his eyes and opened the door to the house, walking in and shouting, "I'm home! Brought the spaz home with me."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 3

Es chuckled nervously. "He isn't one for hesitation... as usual."

Chart stayed in the back not entering just yet, he turned to Slone. "Look buddy I need you to be on your best behavior alright, were going to be meeting Es family can I trust you here boy?" Slone licked Charter and wagged his tail at him." That's what I thought, I knew that I could Right then here goes nothing." Charter slowly made his way to the door staying behind Esmerelda.

Diamante had already walked off somewhere, not sticking around to chat. In all likelihood, he was off to talk to his father. The first one they saw was the first of Es' family Charter had met. Safira Starma slowly walked down from the second floor. Besides a bored look on her face, she wore a slightly oversized tank top made up of black and white stripes, and practically nothing else. The shirt went past her hips, the an unintentional glance as she came down told Charter the only thing on under the shift was a pair of panties with a similar design as her shirt, these light blue and white.

"Oh... you're home," she said in a bored tone, yawning. "And you bought the boyfriend. Forgot your name." She looked him up and down. "You're a lot taller then I thought."

"You your just as delightful as I remember, the Name's Charter Van Dam. So do you normally come down here half naked with no pants on, or am I a special acation? "

Safira blinked slowly. "Sorry. Didn't realize it was customary where you come from to tell people how to dress in your own home." She folded her arms. "You normally come to meet your girlfriend's family in armor, ready to go to war, or is this a special occasion."

"N-no fighting, please." Esmeralda folded her hands. "Safira, Charter is a noble knight, and is always prepared to defend the innocent." She turned. "Charter, Safira is a free spirit. She likes to be... comfortable, and Lustanians aren't the most modest people in the world."

"I'm not arguing against it i'm perfectly fine with her being like she is, if she's not embarrassed about being half naked in fort of others that's her business. So do I wait for the hole family to come down and meet Slone or let them meet him one by one?" Charter turned back to Safira." Slone is my companion, and a loyal friend."

"I thought that was what my sister was." Safria tried to see who else was there, not seeing Slone to the side.

Charter motioned Slone to come forward, the wold did wat he was commanded to do and pooed his head through Slone not being big enough to fit through the door." Safria this is Slone my dire wolf companion."

Her eyes widened a bit, the most true emotion she had ever shown. "If... if you think you're bringing that thing..."

"Esmeralda." Their father stood at the top of the stairs. "Come. You mother wishes to see you." Her looked between Charter and Slone. "Safria, bring Charter and is pet through the back."

"But dad, it..."

"And for the love of the gods, put some shorts on. Charter is a young, impressionable man."

Es kissed Charter on the cheek and loyally rushed up the stairs. Safria huffed. "Go around the side of the building. The back door and kitchen are wide enough to get it into the living room."

"Thank you." Charter whistled to Slone but Slone looked at Safria for a few seconded before fallowing Charter. Charter and Slone went to the back and go through the kitchen. "Well buddy she didn't scream at you so it's some improvement right."

Slone growled a bit before making his way to the living room and siting down, Charter also removed his armor and weapons seeing he's in no danger. Under his shirt was some chain mil that he also took off, Charter wore a black tan top, and brown pants.

"A-alright!" A door in the hallway opened, one adjoining the shop next door. "Th-the store is closed up. I can't believe w-we sold out so early this... th-this..." Rubi stood at the entrance to the living room wearing a simple but attractive green dress with frills at the base. Her eyes were wide with terror as she stared at a man she did not recognize from their two minute conversation and an oversized wolf sitting in her house.

Charter turned around to see the youngest of Esmerelda sisters. "Hi there little one, you probable don't remember me but i'm Es boyfriend Charter." Carter turned to Slone and back at the Rubi. "Do you want to pet him I can promise you he doesn't bite."

"I... I... I-I..." Tears rolled down Rubi's cheeks, and she let out a blood curdling scream. She collapsed to the floor, covering her head in fear. "Monster wolf!"

"Rubi's back!" Safria called out, walking into the room, this time sporting a pair of shorts. She looked over to Charter and said, "Surely, you knew this would happen."

"Yea were used to it, I expected to you to act like that to minus the crying." Charter bend down and pet Slone. "I'm sorry boy we relay got to get used to this type of thing." Slone yawned briefly showing his teeth.

Safria bent down, and helped her sister to her feet. "Come now," she whispered to Rubi. "Esmeralda told us about... um, Slan, in her letters. We just thought she was exaggerating about the size. You have to get over this. She Essy's sake."

Rubi shook her head back and forth. "I-I can't. He... h-he's too big... a-and his teeth... a-and his claws."

Safria sighed. "Well... I tired to be nice. Immersion therapy it is."

"Immersion what?" Rubi suddenly shoved Rubi forward. The Light Elf stumbled a bit, and fell to her knees directly in front of Slone. "N... n-n... n-nice... d-d-doggy..."

Slone looked at Rubi and got closer to her and smelled her. Slone then licked Rubi and started to rubb his head against her. "Se he's friendly." Charter looked at Safria." And his name is Slone not Slan."

She only shrugged. Rubi smiled nervously and cautiously moved her hand to his head. "N-nice... d-doggy..."

Slone bowed his head and let Rubi pet him. "See I knew you two would get along."

Rubi giggled lightly, rubbing his head like any other dog. "Careful," Safria said. "She has attachment problems." She plopped down next to Charter, crossing her legs and offering him a hand made cigarette. "Wanna take the edge off? Home made. No side effects, not smell. Just... relaxation."

"I don't smoke drink sure but on ocations." Charter sat next to Safria. "So what's your story, I mean I can't read you like at all can't tell what kind of person you are."

Safria took a long drag, blowing the smoke away from Charter. "Not much to tell. I'm just... laid back. Chill. Why get excited about anything when it isn't that important? You know?" She smiled softly.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 4

"Safria has Dysthymia and Chronic Apathy Disorder," Rumi whispered, looking up from Slone. "She doesn't mean to be a drag. The drugs help her mellow out."

Safria glanced down at her, looking like she was going to say something, but simply took another puff.

"Hum well we all do what we can to get by, you being the more mellow person of the family means you have a very cool head and you support others when they need it. To me that make a excellent older sibling."

Safria slowly smiled at him. "Does that mean I get the boyfriend's approval?"

"Well not that it matters, and still need to know more about you but your alright with me. Slone is also fin with you."

She looked down at the dire wolf. "Then I'm okay with him."

"Ahem." Oro Starma stood by the entrance to the kitchen. "Mr. Van Dam. May I have a word with you in private?"

"Slone keep them company and hold things down, i'll be back." Charter went up the stairs fallowing Es father up the stairs." I take it i'm bigger then you thought I was?"

"No, not really. But that doesn't mean you don't have an impressive build." Oro sighed. "I prefer to have a forewarning before my daughter arrives with her boyfriend, especially when he has such a... unique creature in tow. However, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your decision to come her was on a short notice whim."

"No, not really. But that doesn't mean you don't have an impressive build." Oro sighed. "I prefer to have a forewarning before my daughter arrives with her boyfriend, especially when he has such a... unique creature in tow. However, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume your decision to come her was on a short notice whim."

"You could say that, there is a reason were here though and I think Es should tell you herself."

Ori folded his arms. "Oh? She's pregnant, huh?"

"What no not yet anyway but there's something Elese she want's to tell you, and no it's not were getting married ether let's just go to her."

Oro nodded. "Please, go downstairs. We will discuss it over dinner. If you would be so kind as to help Rumi set up, I will get the others."

"I have no problem with that, I'll meet you down there." Charter made his way down the stairs, seeing Rubi enjoying Slon's company like he was her dog." Hay Rubi come on help me set up dinner."

"O-oh! Y-yes, of course. S-s-sorry." She moved over to the dinning room, carrying a large roast from the oven along with the sides. As Charter started put plates and utensils out, she quickly said, "Y-y-you don't have to h-help, Mr. Van Dam! I-I w-would want to burden a-a guest."

"No it's fine little one I don't mind helping, besides I know more about you two. So why are you so nervous?"

"She's always like that," Safria answered for her, popping an odd looking mushroom in her mouth. "She's, like, uber shy. Always nervous, especially around people she doesn't know. Don't take it personally. Besides, she'll get over it, at least a little." She smiled. "Maybe she likes you," she added, prompting a small yelp from Rubi.

Character rubbed Rubi head." I'm sure she likes Slone, but hay it alright to be nervous but be brave ever so often."

ubi nodded. "M-my brother t-tells me the same thing. But... i-it's hard, you know? I try, but... I just get s-so scared..."

"Ou I get it the would is scary, especially with all the monsters that are on Terra but just like I tell my sister there are types of courage the one were a warrior stands his ground to defend his home. Then there's the one that helps others knowing that there's a good chance they wont make it, but helps people any way." Charter once again rubbed Rubi head. "For you just try and talk to more people it takes courage to start a conversation."

She smiled. "I will try. Thank you."
Diamante and Oro came down the stairs, the former starting to carve the roast as everyone else sat down. Slowly, from the hallway, Esmeralda entered. Holding onto her arm for support was another Light Elf, tall and attractive, but incredibly pale, even by Light Elf standards. She motioned for Esmeralda to sit down. "I am fine, dear." She smiled at Charter, waiting him to walk over.

Charter went by Es side and gave the woman support. "Let me help you, it would be wrong for me to let you get there by yourself when your sick."

"You are too kind." She patted his arm as they slowly walked over. "My name is Perla. I can refer to you as Charter, right? I don't want to step out of line with the man who has taken my daughter's heart."

"Charter is just fin mam, i'ts good to finally meet Esmerelda mother. You are ill have you gone to any alchemist or healers?"

"I have. Trust me, my husband spends a ridiculous amount of coin for people to say there is little they can do. Magical illnesses are troublesome." She shook her head as she was helped into her seat, motioning for Charter to sit between her and Es. "Let's not discuss such things. I want to hear about the man my girl adores."

"My name is Charter van dam i'm a knight with the iron legion my family army, I now I work for the HaveBrook guild." Charter looked at Esmerelda. "You going to tell them or should I?"

Esmeralda jumped. "Tell us what?" her mother asked.

"Y-yeah?" Esmeralda yelled uncomfortably. "T-tell them what?" She narrowed her eyes, trying him to keep her mouth shut.

"Es we did not come down here for a visit, I told you you need to tell them or I will and do not give them some fake i'm pregnant thing to steer the question."


"Whatever it is, just say it," Oro insisted.

Esmeralda clenched her fists tightly. "Alright, alright!" She quickly stood up and yelled, "I lied! I... I don't work for the university in Fairaven, okay?! I never graduated! I dropped out because I couldn't take the prejudice! I... I don't even live in Fairaven. I am the head... l-libraian... for the Havenbrook Organization... in Serasam..."

Her family stared at her in stunned silence, the only thing said being a soft 'whoa' from Safria.

"That's why were here, I brough her here to tell the truth she's a great librarian at the guild . Hell our guild master relies on her for information, she's very useful to us there and that's were we met I figured you all should know that."

Still, silence persisted. Finally, Oro very calmly stood up, placing his napkin on the table. He gave Esmeralda a look before walking out of the room. It was a look Charter didn't recognize, but made the color drain from Es' face. She sulked down into her chair, and everyone else started to eat in complete silence.

"No ugh this is not happening like this." Charter went after Oro and held his shoulder. "Oi what gives I understand your angry but come on can't you understand were she's coming from why she lied?"

Oro turned back. "Son, until you have kids, don't think you know what it is like to be a parent. Or how it might feel to learn your child has been lying to her entire family for years. We all have a responsibility to this family, and I relieved her of that to go be a scholar, not a librarian for so Hunters Guild."

"Why not, she's making more money as a librarian in the guild then as a scholar plus she's useful at the guild."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 5

"That isn't the point!" Oro glared into Charter's eyes. "Do you think I care about how much money she makes? She was supposed to be something. Someone famous. She failed at that, and I can understand that. But she should have returned home when she did." Oro took a deep breath. "But at least she has now. You may... stay as long as you want. But when you leave... Esmeralda won't be going back with you."

"See that's were we disagree, Esmeralda is coming back with me were she's needed and relied on. And I will be damned if I let her stay."

"Well now... that isn't you decision to make... is it?" Oro stepped closer. "Nor is it mine completely. It is hers."

Charter stepped closer to Oro. "On that we agree on and if she decides to come with me back were she belongs you will not kick her out of the family, or abandon her agreed?"

Oro hesitated, but slowly nodded. "Very well. But if she decides to stay, you promise to go without a fuss."

Charter boled his fist and greeted his teeth."F--Fine then, but I know she will come back with me and to the guild."

"Would you like to settle this now?" Oro asked.

"As much as I don't want to, fine then but you will let her explain herself alright?"

"Of course." Oro smiled. "I might seem like the bad guy to you, but I want what is best for my daughter."

As the two walked to the dinning room, they heard the sound of laughter. "It sounds absolutely dreadful!" Perla stated.

"Oh, it was," Esmeralda responded. "But Charter took care of it. That's how we met. With him saving me from something terrifying but ultimately no threat."

"Wow." Rubi leaned forward, subtly dropping a piece of roast on the floor for Slone. "S-so do you really, really have a Thrope who can turn into a... dra... gon..." She, along with everyone else, fell silent when Oro returned.

He cleared his throat. "Charter and I have... had a brief discussion. We have come to an agreement. Charter, would you like to tell Esmeralda why you feel she should return to your little Guild?"

"Well clearly form the laughter I've been hearing she's been telling you some of what's been going on around the guild. She has friends there she's a excellent librarian and." Charter cleared his throat not wanting to say what he was going to say, but whispers it. "I... I need her by my side."

Oro cleared his own throat. "Esmeralda, when you begged me to let you leave, you wanted to make good use of that big brain of yours, and I respected that. I am sorry it didn't work out for you, but you know you belong here with us. The fact that you lied to us tells me you have been avoiding responsibility for years." He folded his arms. "The Starma family sticks together. And we need you to return to us. I... expect you to return to us."

Esmeralda kept her head low as they spoke. She slowly looked up at them, giving Charter a sad look.

Charter went to Esmerelda putting his arm around her . "Hay now were a team you and I remember, if you wish to stay here. I will be hurt but time does heal wounds and all that, but Es I need you at the manor Mina Erin Betty and all the others. But if you wish to stay with your family, there your family and I won't deny you that."

"I... I-I can't." Esmeralda looked to her father. "I-I love you. I love you all, I do. And I... don't want to disgrace my family. B-but..." She shook her head. "I can't stay. It wouldn't be right. I can't leave Charter because I love him. A-and... because I have something that belongs to him." She placed her hands on her belly. "Belongs to us both."

Charter looked at Es hand on her stomach. "Um Es wa.. what are you saying? You have something that be.. belongs t...to us, A- are you?"

"I-I, um... I was hoping to save it for a happier moment, you know? But um..." She gave him a sad smile. "Yeah. Erin confirmed it right before we left. I'm pregnant."

Charter's eyes widen. " Your.. Your pregnant!" Charter hugged Esmerelda with a few tears going down his face.

Everyone else looked excited themselves, even Safria. Oro slowly walked over to them. "Well, this... changes things, doesn't it. I can't let you leave tonight."

"Wasn't planning to we could stay for a few days, let you get to spend some time with family and them helping me figure out how to take care of our future child."

Oro nodded. He glanced at his smiling wife, who nodded to him. "You can... stay as long you want. Got to make sure you get a few pointers... son."

"Yea i'm going to be a dad..i'm going to be a dad. You think i'm ready for this because this very nerve racking."

"Don't worry, my boy?" Perla patted the seat next to her. "Continue eating and... I want to hear more of your exploits."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

In Other News...

Helvan
Fishing town of Bumarda
June 24th, 3349
10:02 a.m.

"Haha! Ha ha HA!" Gaston cheered as he pulled back, sending the tenth exceptionally large bass he had caught so far sailing above the ocean water. As it fell back down, his grandson was ready with net in hand. "Nice catch, Oliver!"

The teen laughed as he put the fish with the others. "I've had plenty of practice just today! You sure are fishing up a storm." In a lower voice, he said, "I think the others are jealous."

The older fisherman looked around at the other fishermen, with their near-empty buckets and sneers. He only laughed. "Let them be jealous. I never have this kind of luck."

"Keep fishing like this and maybe we can share the bounty," Oliver suggested, spinning the net in his hand.

"Yeah, maybe." Gaston smiled softly. "This town has been good to this old man in his time of need. I should pay it forward, huh?"

"Exactly." The boy grinned. "But what does... pay it forward mean exactly?"

Gaston chuckled, then stood up as the line tugged once more. "Oh... this is a big one! Be ready!" Timing it right, he tugged up, a huge fish, bigger than the rest sailed up, over, and plopped right back into the water by the pier. "Damn it all... that was a real keeper. What happened to all your practice, Oliver?" He looked around, slowly at first, then in a panic. "Oliver?" He scanned the immediate area, then looked at the water, finding the teen boy's net floating on the surface. Suddenly, an arm shot out of the water next to it. "Oliver!"

The aging fisherman dropped to his belly and reached out for the small hand. As he grabbed onto it, a tentacle, large, green, and slimy, came out of the water, grabbing Gaston's hand and yanking him under.

There were panicked murmurs as the other fishermen rushed over. They had little time to wonder what was happening when they came. Jumping out of the water, one by one. Hideous monstrosities with green, humanoid figures, but squid like faces. "Merfolk!" someone yelled before one of them latched onto her face and stabbed her in the chest with a spear. Chaos ensued as the creatures overran the dock, not retreating back to the water until dozens had met their end.

And yet, not a single body was found in the aftermath.

*****​

Vampiric Megacity of Drăculești
Capital Building, Council of Elders
June 25th, 3349
11:35 a.m.

The room was more dreary than usual, each of the Elders having run out of ideas.

"What came of the escorting guards?" one asked, the head of G2.

"They have been questioned and requestioned," said a second, Vice Head of G1. "They have voluntarily been subjected to every kind of hypnosis and truth formula we have. They were not involved, and have no idea where she went."

"One does not simply disappear when there is only one exit!" HU1 insisted. "Are you sure you questioned them right?"

"Of course I am!" VG1 shouted. "Do you question my people's ability to perform a simple interrogation?!"

"I am sure they can do it just fine," VU1 stated. "When they are ordered to do it right."

"Hold your tongue!" HG1 stood up and slammed his fists on the table. "You dare insinuate that we had anything to do with it?! What would we have to gain?!"

VG2 cleared his throat. "Those in the upper cities would profit more from her disappearing. They have made outrageous demands for decades, and could..."

VU2 slammed her own fists down. "If you are going to throw about accusations, you had best be prepared to defend yourself!"

"That is quite enough!" yelled the booming voice of Victor Delmond, the extremely large assistant to the Head Elder and unofficial head of the city's individual Elders. The large man looked around the room in disgust. "Is this a council of children?! There is not a man or women here under 600. Act your ages!" They all quieted down, and Victor took several deep breaths. "Now... before turn to civil war, why not at least try and think of ways someone else could have caused this?”

Silence for a moment. Then an assistant shyly said, "Th-there... there are still two escapees unaccounted for by the Band of Seven, right?"

VU2 laughed without humor in their tone. "Don't be a fool. There is no..."

"Do you have an alternate explanation to present?" Victor interrupted. With no response, he said, "I didn't think so. Besides, the young miss has a point. After all, one of those the Seven have not dealt with is Alice Valentine."

"Why does that have any bearing on this situation?" HU2 demanded.

"Do some homework before coming in," HG2 stated. "Before she was Liliana Alexandra Valenestra, her name was Lilith Valentine. Ring any bells?"

HU2 grumbled a bit before stating. "That still has no baring. H-how would Valentine have got her? The Seven reported a conflict with her on the same day as the disappearance. Accounting for time zones, it was practically in the same hour! Are you saying that Valentine not only found a way to slip in and out of the city with no one noticing, but she moved to the other side of Terra Dolor in less than an hour? Preposterous!"

"Regardless, it is the only lead we have at the moment." Victor looked to the assistant that had spoken up. "Have a message sent to the Band of Seven. When they find Valentine, they are to keep her alive until they can determine if she is behind the kidnapping or not, and if she is, where she took her."

The assistant nodded and ran off. VG2 leaned back and sighed. "The Band of Seven aren't usually known for holding back."

"Too bad," Delmond stated. "They will do as ordered. They answer to me now. If they don't like it, they can take it up with the only one higher up." All faces turned to the risen up chair at the end of the room. Naturally, not a single response was given.

*****​

Lustania
Royal City of Caritas, The Palace
June 26th, 3349
12:22 p.m.

King Havenblen smiled at the young advisor kneeling before him. "Greetings and good afternoon, Mr. Jerib. Please, stand and be at ease. What can We do for you?"

Denale Jerib quickly stood and tried to look at ease, though it only seemed to make him look more tense. "Y-your majesty, a new group of refugees has arrived and is requesting asylum."

"This is no different then usual, is it?" the Queen asked. "Surely, you know our policies on our Elf and Light Elf brethren from Helvan by now, good sir."

"Yes... I-I mean I do, your grace." Denale cleared his throat. "But they are not Elves from Helvan. They are Thropes from Themosa. Bevland is not being as forthcoming to them as they'd like, and with the Underground Railroad releasing slaves and others fleeing out of fear of an uprising, they come to our shores seeking safety."

"We see." The King stood up. "Our policies apply to ALL refugees. Let them come. Let them call our island nation home." Denale muttered something, but did not speak up. "Say what is on your mind, Mr. Jerib. We will listen to your concerns."

Denale rubbed his wrist. "It is just... so much of our land is uninhabitable. Where... will we put them?"

"Hmm... a valid concern. But fear not." The King stepped away from his throne and over to a large, scaled representation of Lustania. "We were building a recreational resort here, yes? One soon to be opened? Let the Thropes earn their keep... by testing out the resort for us."

The advisor laughed nervously. "The, uh... the nobles..."

"Will not be happy with this?" The Queen giggled softly as she walked over. "Of course not. It is the job of a noble to make a fuss when things don't go exactly to their plan. They wished to bring in more tourist revenue, as well as enjoy it themselves."

Her husband nodded. "It is a shame, but Our duty to Our fellow man comes first."

"Of course, your majesty." Denale looked at the model. "But, uh... where shall we put them until the resort is finished?"

"Another valid concern." The King rubbed his chin. "One not so easily solved. What say you, Mr. Jerib?”

"M-me?!" Denale asked in surprise. "I, uh... I-I.."

"You are an advisor, are you not?" The King smiled. "Please advise."

"The, um... the, um..." Denale scanned the map, but everywhere he found habitable land, there was a city or town there already. "We, um... put them in our cities by... by asking for... volunteers?" He sulked his head down a bit. "Perhaps with... m-monetary compensation?"

"Oh, a splendid idea, good sir!" the Queen exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "We shall send out a decree, speaking of the Thrope's plight and requesting volunteers. For every refugee housed, for each month they are there, they shall be rewarded with substantial compensation."

The King nodded. "Not only does this solve where to put them, it additionally gives the nobles a reward, as they will be able to house more civilians and be rewarded better. It will also give Our people and the refugees an excuse to come together in unity, easing the burden of the influx of foreigners." He slapped Denale on the back. "Good job, Mr. Jerib! You do Us proud."

"Th-thank you sir... I-I mean, your Lordship." Denale finally smiled. "This only leaves the question of what to do if the Themosan Royal House comes demanding the return of the refugees."

"We will speak to them Ourselves if it comes to that." The King stood tall and looked at Themosa on a nearby map. "Just as with Helvan, any criminals will be returned if our laws match theirs. However, as we have no law allowing slavery, and thus no law against a slave running away, they will not be returned if that is their only crime."

"It likely will not come to that." The Queen shook her head. "From what I've heard, they have more pressing matters to worry about in Themosa."

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Themosa
Venatin Square, Royal City of Patientia
June 27th, 3349
3:41 p.m.

The streets were blocked off for miles, citizens staying off to the side. Some of them stood near the roads, watching and waiting. High above, by one of the taller buildings, Korra sat on a crimson cloud, manifested from her magic. "Pft... look at them. Standing around like they're waiting for a parade. Only thing that'll be parading by is a float of this country's sin."

"Bet some of them know that and don't even care." Bethany, an old friend of Korra and more or less her second-in-command, looked over the side of the building. Her white wolf ears twitched and her canine-like teeth were in a frightening grin as she dangled a knife. "It would be so easy. So... easy."

Korra gave her a sideway glance. "Cool it. These people are sheep, lulled into a false sense of justice by unjust laws. They aren't our target." She pointed down the street. "That is our target."

"W-w-what the heck is that monstrosity?" Terra, a timid looking Light Elf and another close ally, muttered as a hulking, rectangular hunk of metal rolled down the road.

"It's an automobile," Korra answered. "Fresh off the Serasam market. I believe this model is called a bus." She floated over and pat Terra on the head. "Don't worry. It's made for transportation, and to keep the prisoners inside safe, not to battle." She grinned as it neared the designated spot. "And it is far from indestructible."

A minute later, the bus rolled over the glyphs drawn and hidden on the street. Four mages poked their heads out of windows, and the traps were sprung. Explosions of fire erupted, obliterating the vehicle's four tires and sending it crashing to the ground. The guards within and nearby soldiers prepared for an attack, and they didn't have to wait long.

Dozens of Thropes rushed out of hiding and attacked, all wearing bright red bandanas to distinguish themselves. There were far more rebels than was needed for this job, but it wasn't just about liberating the slaves and political prisoners soon to become slaves. Korra wanted this to be a show of force. It was for this reason that she also made sure to include plenty of her human fighters to show it wasn't only Thropes that wanted a change.

Korra dropped between two rather burly guards. They were big. They were strong. But they were slow, and Korra had the advantage of agility and the best physical training noble money could buy. Staff in hand, very jabbed one in the belly with one end, then with a twirl she whacked the other's hand, making him drop his sword. Back and forth between them. Whack on the arm. Bash the foot. Upside the head. One fell, but the other charged to grab her. She rapidly jabbed her staff forward, and what seemed like a dozen staffs hit the man at once. As he wobbled, she channeled her power into the staff, and it quadrupled in length, sending the man flying.

Korra surveyed the battlefield. The soldiers were caught off guard, both by the attack itself and how well organized the attack was. Korra wasn't running an amateur show. She had been training and planning.

To the left, three soldiers ran out of an alley and leveled rifles at her people. She ran towards them and pulled out a talisman. Planting her feet firm, she blew against the back of the paper, and from the front erupted a flurry of fire worthy of any dragon. It scorched the soldiers and lit the wood of their rifles on fire.

Bethany let out a mighty battle cry as she slashed away with a scimitar. With a powerful slice, her opponent's own sword went flying. She knocked the man to the ground, pushing on his chest with her foot and pressing the sword against his neck. "Any last words, human scum?"

"I... I was only following orders!" He cried out.

"Ha! Those are some lousy final words!" Before Bethany could slice his neck open, Korra's staff stretched over and whacked the underside of her arms, sending the sword flying up. "Hey, what's the deal?!"

Korra caught the sword with her tail and gave her friend a stern look. "We are not the animals they treat us like. We do not kill the unarmed." She turned her eyes to the downed soldier. "And you. Some of the worst crimes ever have been done because someone was 'just following orders'. Now get up."

Bethany scoffed. "You got lucky, human swine." She shoved him along, leading him to a group of other unarmed soldiers and guards. "What's the report?"

Terra ran over. "We, uh... we have a dozen liberated Thropes, fourteen injured Themosan soldiers, three dead, and um... five of ours injured, o-one dead. A... Andrew didn't make it."

"Damn," Korra muttered. "I told him to stay in the back. Reckless kid, shouldn't have brought him at all." She stepped up to the captives. "We will be taking our enslaved brethren now, thank you. If you have a problem with that, take it up with the King and nobles who think it is okay to enslave and use us like animals."

"Don't act like animals then!" One of the soldiers shouted, standing up. "You attack us from cover. You lay cowardly traps." She waved her hand at one of the younger rebels. "What kind of animals force children to fight?!"

"You forced him to fight!" Bethany shouted, stepping over to the woman and raising her sword. "You and your kind, who enslaved his parents then killed them when they tried to escape. How cowardly is it to shoot someone in the back when all they wish is for freedom? They were treated worse than animals, because you don't execute a dog that runs away!"

"Enough!" Korra rose above Bethany on her cloud, grabbing her arm and pulling her away. "We do not expect you to see our way. We don't need you to. We need the King and Queen to." She motioned for everyone to take off with the liberated slaves. Rising up and backing away herself, she proclaimed, "You were spared this day, but don't expect us to be so gentle in the future! These attacks will continue and escalate, in violence and in scope, until the King either changes the law to abolish slavery and make all races equal to humans, or he is replaced with someone who will! We are the Themosan Liberation Front, and consider this our official declaration of war!"

She tossed a small bomb that exploded in a flurry of fire and smoke. When the smoke finally blew away, Korra, along with all her people, were gone.

*****​

Bevland
Central Bevland, Manticore Forest
June 28th, 3349
5:26 p.m.

"Hold your ground, men! Hold your ground!"

It was an odd sight to be sure. Well armed Bevland soldiers. Powerful Ophidians. Not that odd, except they stood on the same side. To the Bevland royalty's surprise, the Ophidians of the southern forests had come to seek aid. And before them came another wave of the reason for this.

The mixed group stood strong in a refugee village in the center of the Manticore forest, home to both Ophidians and Elves who had been driven out of their more southern homes. The unit captain had drawn the line here. He declared they would be pushed back no further. But when a stampede of Imps, Hellhounds, demonic Gargoyles, Roaches, and a whole variety of demons, some never even seen before, is barreling at you, one has a hard time keeping their resolve.

They were all C-rank demons, or at least they seemed to be, but what they lacked in strength, they made up for in numbers. Fire balls were lobbed against the defending soldiers, but they held firm. Mages, including a couple Ophidians, were stationed on towers behind the front lines, blowing the demons around with gusts of wind or piercing them with spikes of earth. Swords clashed. Shields bashed. An imp's head went flying. A Roach tore off someone’s arm. One gargoyle tumbled to the ground while another grabbed a mage, flying up high before dropping them to the ground.

One of the Ophidian captains let out a yell that froze demons and allies alike. She slithered forward, the four different swords in her four hands swirling about like a blizzard of blades. When she was done, she was coated in a thin paint of demon blood, the last of them falling. At least, the last from this wave.

The defense force was on the verge of defeat. They were down to half their original numbers, and had been fighting for hours. They were all on their last leg and hope was all but lost, especially as another wave of demons stepped out of the treeline. The main demon force seemed to be comprised of wave after wave of disposable foot soldiers. If the demons there now understood that was all they were, they didn't seem to care. Those with enough intelligence and the ability to express humor seemed to laugh and chuckle. They were in no hurry now. The soldiers and Ophidians were beat, and it was best they fully grasp this before they die.

Several men and woman gasped as the line of soldiers parted. To their shock, a manticore seemed to come out of nowhere to walk among them. It did not attack anyone, however. It simply walked through the crowd until it stood before them, staring at the demons. It was an odd one. It was not a cub, having the physique of a matured female, but it was awfully small for a manticore, only about the size of a human or Thrope.

The demons, at least, did not see it as a threat. With heart wrenching cries, they charged forward, intent on taking out these defenders, along with the village, and continuing their way north. The little manticore had different plans, as it would seem. She roared fiercely, and something even more unexpected happened. From the treeline to the north came three more manticore, these ones very much as big as they should be, two males and a female. Again, they ignored the defenders, leaping over them and charging the demons.